Questions to Ask After Hospital Discharge

What Discharge Planning Should Include

According to NHS guidelines, discharge planning should be a process, not a single decision made on the day you leave. It should start early in your hospital stay and involve you, your family, and all the professionals involved in your care.

Good discharge planning includes: a written discharge plan; equipment ordered and delivered if needed; medications explained; follow-up appointments booked before you leave; referrals to community services (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, district nursing, speech therapy) already made; and a contact number if you have urgent questions after you get home.

If discharge feels rushed or incomplete, say so. Ask what is still missing. Ask if more can be done before you leave or arranged for your first week home.

The Questions to Ask Before Discharge

Write these down or ask someone to help you remember the answers. Take notes during the conversation. Ask for a written copy of anything important.

1. Who will be following up with us in the community?

Ask for a list of professionals who will be visiting or that you need to contact. This might include a community physiotherapist, district nurse, occupational therapist, or specialist. Get their names, contact details, and when to expect them. If no one is listed, ask why not and what needs to happen to arrange it.

2. What therapies are continuing and how often?

Find out exactly what rehabilitation will happen at home: physiotherapy sessions per week, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or other support. Find out the frequency and duration. If waiting lists are long, ask if private therapy can start in the meantime.

3. What equipment do we need at home and is it ordered?

Ask about mobility aids (walking frames, wheelchairs), bathroom safety equipment (grab bars, shower seats, commodes), bed equipment (profiling bed, pressure mattress), or other devices. Ask if it has been ordered and when it will be delivered. Ask if an occupational therapist will assess your home before discharge. Do not leave without knowing what equipment you need and when it is arriving.

4. What medications and what side effects should I watch for?

Get a clear list of all medications (brand name and generic name), doses, and times. Ask what each medication is for. Ask about side effects and when to contact a doctor about them. Take written discharge summaries that include medications and give them to your GP.

5. What red flag symptoms mean we should seek urgent help?

Ask what symptoms would require calling NHS 111 or 999. For a stroke, these might include sudden weakness, speech changes, vision changes, severe headache, or chest pain. For a brain injury, these might include severe headache, confusion, vomiting, or loss of consciousness. Get this in writing if possible. Put it on your fridge at home.

6. Is there a community rehabilitation team referral in place?

Ask specifically whether you have been referred to the community rehabilitation team (sometimes called early supported discharge). This team provides intensive rehabilitation in your own home in the weeks after discharge. Not everyone is eligible, but if you are, it can make a huge difference.

7. When is the next clinical review?

Ask when you will see a doctor or specialist again. Ask who to contact if you have concerns before then.

8. What about benefits and financial support?

Ask if you are eligible for any benefits such as Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance, or Carer's Allowance (if someone is supporting you). Ask if the hospital can refer you to a benefits advisor. Ask if equipment is free or if you need to pay.

9. Is the home environment safe? Has an OT assessed it?

Ask if an occupational therapist will visit your home before discharge to assess safety. If mobility or vision are affected, this is essential. Ask what adaptations might be needed (ramps, handrails, stair lifts). Ask who pays for adaptations. Do not leave hospital without knowing if your home is safe for your current abilities.

10. What if we don't feel ready for discharge?

Tell the team clearly if you do not feel ready. Say: "I do not feel safe going home." Ask what their concerns are and what yours are. Ask if more therapy before discharge is possible. Ask for a formal home safety assessment. If you truly believe discharge is unsafe, you can refuse. If the hospital insists, document your concerns in writing and keep a copy.

The First Week Home: What to Expect

The first week home is an adjustment. Do not expect to feel better immediately. In fact, many people feel worse when they leave the hospital. This is normal and is sometimes called "discharge fatigue" or "adjustment shock".

You are leaving a structured environment where professionals were available 24/7. You are going home where everything feels different, maybe harder, definitely less supported. You are probably exhausted from your illness or injury. Your home may need adaptations you did not anticipate. Visitors may overwhelm you.

It is normal to feel: frightened, exhausted, overwhelmed, confused about what to do next, emotional, or regretful about leaving hospital. All of this is expected. Do not judge yourself.

In the first week, your focus is basic self-care and safety, not intensive therapy. Rest. Let family help. Do not try to "get back to normal" yet. If something does not feel right or you have urgent questions, contact NHS 111 or the hospital directly. They would rather hear from you than have you worry in silence.

Finding Private Practitioners If NHS Waiting Lists Delay Support

NHS waiting lists are often long. If your first community physiotherapy appointment is more than 4 weeks away, consider accessing private practitioners to start immediately. Early rehabilitation leads to better outcomes.

The My Rehab Journey directory helps you find practitioners quickly by condition and location. Key practitioners to consider are:

• Neurological physiotherapist: Rebuilds movement and function. This is usually the highest priority.
• Occupational therapist: Helps with daily living and home adaptations.
• Speech and language therapist: If speech, swallowing, or communication are affected.
• Clinical psychologist: If mood changes, anxiety, or cognitive changes are present.
• Case manager: Coordinates care if you are seeing multiple practitioners.

You can access private practitioners without waiting for NHS referrals. Many will coordinate with your NHS team to ensure joined-up care.

Continuing Healthcare and Section 117 Funding

If you have complex medical or rehabilitation needs, you may qualify for Continuing Healthcare (state-funded care) or Section 117 funding (free mental health support after psychiatric discharge). These can fund substantial support at home.

Ask the discharge team if you should be assessed. Assessment is free and you can request it even if they do not suggest it.

When to Seek Help: Red Flag Symptoms

If any of the following happen, call NHS 111 (or 999 if truly urgent):

• Sudden weakness, numbness, or paralysis (especially on one side)
• Difficulty speaking, slurred speech, or difficulty understanding
• Vision changes, blurred vision, or double vision
• Severe or worsening headache
• Difficulty swallowing or choking
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Confusion, disorientation, or loss of consciousness
• Vomiting or severe nausea
• Severe dizziness or vertigo
• Seizure or seizure-like activity
• Fall, bump to the head, or injury
• Signs of infection (fever, infection in wound, increased pain)
• You cannot manage self-care (toileting, washing, eating) and have no support

Cross-Link Resources

Other guides that may help you:

• A Guide for Carers & Families - Support for family members helping with recovery.
• Carer Burnout - Recognising and managing exhaustion from caregiving.
• Finding the Right Practitioner - How to search for specialist support in your area.