1. I know who my discharge planner is.

• I’ve talked to the discharge planner and know what I have to do.
• My partner, family member, or friend will help me, has talked to the planner, and knows what to do.

2. I’ve made plans for my care after I leave the hospital.

• I’ve made arrangements at my job, if needed.
• I’ve made arrangements for a caregiver, if needed.
• I’ve set up my home for medical equipment, if needed.
• I’ve found out what services I can get from my health insurance or Medicare, and I know how much I will have to pay.
• I’ve been given a list of local and national agencies that may be able to help me.

3. If I’m going to another health care setting, I understand why and where I’m going.

• I know what type of care I’ll be getting.
• I know about how long I’ll be there.
• I’ve been given choices by the discharge planner.
• I have picked my health care setting.

Health concerns

1. I know what problems to watch for and what to do.

• I know which symptoms, side effects, or other problems to expect.
• I know what to do about these problems.
• I know when and who to call for emergencies and problems.

2. I understand my medicines.

• I know which medicines are new, which medicines I have to stop taking, and if there have been any changes in dosing in any of my medicines.
• I know what each medicine does and why I’m taking it.
• I know how and when to take the medicines.
• I know what side effects to watch for.
• I know what to do if I have side effects and who to call for help.
• I know how to get my medicine.

3. I know about my future tests and doctor visits.

• I know which tests I’ll need, when they need to be done, and how to prepare for them.
• I know how I’ll get to my tests and visits.

4. I understand what to do during my recovery.

• I know what I can and can’t eat.
• I know how active I can be.
• I’ve asked about any special instructions.

Getting help at home

1. I understand how to use my medical equipment (like a walker or oxygen).

• I know who to call if I have questions about the equipment.
• I know how to use the equipment.

2. I know the type of help I’ll need.

• I might need help with dressing, bathing, and using the bathroom.
• I might need help with shopping, cooking, and housework.
• I or my caregiver knows how to change bandages or give shots.
• I’ve asked my doctor or nurse what other help I may need.

The discharge plan

3. I know that my health and care may cause stress.

• I know the signs of stress and depression.
• I know how to deal with stress.
• I know a support group or counselor I can talk to if needed.
• I know that my caregiver may need a break.
• I know that my caregiver needs help if he or she shows signs of stress or depression.

1. I have received a written discharge plan.

• It lists all the medicines I need.
• It lists all the health tasks I need to do.
• It lists all doctors or others I may need to call and their numbers.
• I agree with the plan.
• If I don’t agree, I know how to challenge the plan.