What questions should I ask before someone comes home from hospital?
When a hospital discharge happens, it can move quickly. You may have a few hours' notice � or less � and there is often a great deal to arrange. Knowing what to ask before someone leaves the ward can make the first few days at home significantly smoother.
These are the questions most worth asking � and why each one matters.
Before you start: who to ask
Not everyone on the ward will know the answers to all of these questions. Ask to speak to the discharge coordinator, the ward nurse leading care, or the ward doctor. If you are not sure who that is, ask at the nurses' station and say clearly that you want to speak to someone about the discharge plan before your family member leaves.
It is reasonable to ask for time to have this conversation properly. If things feel rushed, it is also reasonable to say so.
The questions to ask
What has been arranged for when they get home?
Ask specifically whether anyone will be there to help on the first day � and what happens if that falls through.
Is a care package being put in place, and when does it start?
If care at home has been arranged, ask for the name of the provider, the start time and what it includes.
Have medications been reviewed, prescribed and given to take home?
Ask whether any medications have changed, and whether the pharmacist or a nurse has explained them.
Has any equipment been ordered � walking aids, a hospital bed, toilet frame, bath rails?
Equipment can take days to arrive. Ask whether it has been ordered and how to chase it if needed.
Has a follow-up appointment been arranged?
Ask who it is with, roughly when, and whether you need to wait for a letter or contact the clinic directly.
Has a referral been made to community nursing, physiotherapy or social care?
Ask whether any of these have been requested and what the expected wait is.
What are the warning signs to watch out for?
Ask the ward team or doctor to be specific � what would mean returning to hospital, and what would mean calling 111 or the GP.
Who do we contact if we're worried in the first few days?
Get a specific name, number or service � not just 'contact your GP'. Ask what happens out of hours.
Is there a written discharge plan we can take home?
You are entitled to a written summary. Ask for one before leaving the ward.
If something feels incomplete
It is reasonable to raise concerns if you do not feel the discharge is safe or that the plan is clear enough. You can ask to speak to the ward manager or the on-call doctor if you feel your concerns are not being heard.
If you have serious concerns and are not getting satisfactory answers, you can contact the hospital's PALS service (Patient Advice and Liaison Service). They can help you raise concerns formally and work with the hospital to resolve them.
Worried about hospital discharge?
If someone you love is in hospital and discharge is being discussed, it can be hard to know what needs to happen next — especially if you live at a distance, multiple teams are involved, or you do not feel there is a clear plan.
InKindRa can help you make sense of what is happening, prepare questions, identify practical gaps, and understand what needs to be clarified before discharge.
This may be helpful if:
- discharge is being discussed but you do not feel there is a safe plan
- you are unsure who is leading discharge planning
- you live at a distance and are trying to keep track of updates
- medication, falls risk, home safety or care arrangements feel unclear
- social work, safeguarding, PALS or multiple teams are involved
- you need help preparing questions for the ward or social worker
- you are unsure whether home is the right next step
Need help applying this to your own situation? Send InKindRa a short outline of what is happening.
Who can help
Ward nurse or discharge coordinator
The right person to ask most of these questions � ask to speak to them before the person leaves the ward.
Hospital social work team
If care at home hasn't been arranged and you don't think the person is ready to manage alone.
Your GP
For follow-up, medication queries and ongoing community health support once home.
NHS 111
For urgent medical concerns that are not an emergency, available 24 hours.
InKindRa
If you would like help preparing these questions or working through what the answers actually mean.
How InKindRa can support you
We can help you prepare for this conversation before you go into the hospital � working out which questions matter most in your specific situation, and what answers should tell you about whether the plan is actually in place.
We can also help you make sense of the answers you get, identify anything that seems to be missing, and work out next steps once you are home. We are independent, not part of the hospital team, and there to support you � not the system.
Need help applying this to your own situation?
You do not need to have everything organised before getting in touch. InKindRa can help you make sense of what is happening, prepare questions and understand what practical next steps may be needed.
Not sure if this is the right kind of support? Send a short message - no pressure to continue.
Related practical guides:
Start with a conversation
If a discharge is coming up and you want to feel more prepared, start with a free, no-pressure conversation.
Or call us on 01743 630199