Medicare publishes a free discharge planning checklist for patients and caregivers. It suggests going over it with hospital staff during the stay, not just on the last day. That could be the discharge planner, a social worker or a nurse. (Medicare: Your Discharge Planning Checklist (PDF))
Things the checklist covers
- Write down the full list of prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and herbal supplements your parent takes, including any changes made during the stay.
- Ask whether your parent will need medical equipment (like a walker), whether Medicare covers it and who will arrange delivery.
- Talk to the staff about getting the help your parent needs before discharge.
- Ask for written discharge instructions that you can read and understand, plus a summary of your parent's current health status.
- Get prescriptions filled before your parent leaves, if you can.
- Write down the name and phone number of someone to call with questions.
If you think it's too soon
Medicare's checklist says that if you think your parent is being discharged too soon, you can ask for a fast appeal. In a hospital, the staff should give you a notice called the "Important Message from Medicare," which explains how. (Medicare: Your Discharge Planning Checklist (PDF))
Inpatient or observation?
Ask whether your parent was admitted as an inpatient or kept under observation. It matters for skilled nursing coverage afterward. (Medicare.gov: Skilled nursing facility care)