Hospital discharge can move quickly. Families may hear new terminology while trying to organise transport, medication, food, equipment and care. Write down the answers and ask who is responsible for each action.
Questions for the discharge team
- What has changed since admission?
- What can the person safely do without help?
- What support is required on the first evening, overnight and next morning?
- Has mobility been assessed in relation to the actual home?
- What equipment must be delivered before arrival?
- What medication is being supplied, what changed and who will manage it?
- Who is coordinating the discharge and how can they be contacted?
- What symptoms require urgent help, and whom should the family call?
Understand the type of support offered
Some people receive short-term recovery, reablement or intermediate care after hospital. This is designed to support recovery and independence and is not automatically the same as a permanent home-care package. Ask how long it is expected to last, when it will be reviewed and how longer-term needs will be assessed.
If needs may be complex and primarily health-related, ask the relevant healthcare professional whether NHS Continuing Healthcare assessment should be considered. Eligibility is decided by the NHS assessment process, not by a care provider.
Prepare the home
Walk through the route from the entrance to the chair, bedroom and bathroom. Remove loose obstacles without changing familiar surroundings unnecessarily. Confirm heating, lighting, food, drinks, phone access and any key-safe arrangement. Do not buy specialist equipment without appropriate advice where assessment is needed.
Plan the first 48 hours
The first two days need more detail than “family will help.” Agree names and times. Who will collect medication, prepare food, support washing and dressing, attend overnight, manage pets, contact the GP and answer the door for professionals?
Use our printable hospital discharge checklist to keep the plan in one place.
When home care may help
A visiting care package can support personal care, dressing, meals, medication routines, mobility and reassurance. More intensive support may be needed where the person cannot safely remain alone, needs help overnight or requires close observation within an agreed care plan.
A Star Care offers hospital discharge support, visiting home care in Scarborough and overnight care. A care assessment should take place before the package is finalised.
If the plan feels unsafe
Raise the concern with the hospital staff arranging discharge and explain the specific risk. Ask what assessment has been completed and what will be in place at home. The NHS advises contacting the hospital team or Patient Advice and Liaison Service if you are unhappy with discharge arrangements.
For a medical emergency, call the appropriate emergency service. For urgent but non-emergency medical advice, use the NHS route recommended for the situation.