Planning for your discharge from a hospital stay is usually the last thing patients think of but it is important.  During your stay in a hospital the staff will work with you to plan for your discharge.  However, it is helpful to have an understanding of what you need to know before you go home.  Below are questions that you should ask before your discharge:

1. What will be the care plan once you leave the hospital?
2. Do you understand your health condition?
3. Do you know what problems to watch for and how to handle them?
4. Do you know what each of your prescription drugs does?  Do you understand their
side effects?
5. Do you know what medical equipment you will need?
6. Do you know which daily activities you will need assistance with? (i.e bathing, dressing,
meal preparation, transportation)
7. Are you comfortable with using your medical equipment (wheelchair, oxygen machine,
hospital bed)?
8. Do you know which family members will be able to help you?
9. Do you know what doctor to call if you have questions?
10. Do you know what appointments and tests you will need in the next several weeks?
11. Do you have your written discharge instructions?

Try to ask as many questions as possible before leaving the hospital.  It's easier to have them answered while you're still there than after you leave.