Normal discharge time is 11 a.m. If you are unable to make arrangements with your family or friends, please let your nurse know. Your nurse will make sure you have a copy of your discharge instructions and understand them before you go home.

• Ask about your condition and how soon you should feel better.
• Find out about your ability to do everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, going to the bathroom, preparing meals, driving, returning to work and doing other activities that are important to you. Find out about any special instructions for daily activities.
• Find out how much help you will need during your recovery.
• Ask about any signs and symptoms that you should watch for and what you should do if you have these signs or symptoms.
• Make sure your home is set up for any physical limitations you may have. Make sure any equipment you need is set up before you return home.
• Write down any questions you have and ask them before you leave the hospital. It's helpful to keep a notebook for your questions, the answers and who answered your questions, in case you need to get more information. If needed, ask a family member or friend to help.
• Ask a family member, friend or neighbor to stay with you when you first get home and then to check on you at your home for a few days. If you are not confident about how to care for yourself after leaving the hospital or if you have any doubts about getting the care you need at home, speak up.

• We want you to understand your medications before you are discharged.
• You should expect your nurse to provide you with a list of all the medicines you will be taking at home. The list should include all of your medicines, not just the new ones started in the hospital. Check the list for accuracy.
• Ask for written directions about your medicines. Read the directions and make sure you understand them before leaving the hospital.
• Ask if there are any foods and drinks - including alcohol - that you should avoid.
• Ask about the side effects of your new medicines. Find out what you should do if you experience any of those side effects.

• Ask for directions about physical exercises you may need to do. Ask your doctor, nurse or physical therapist to write down the directions.
• If you have a wound, ask for directions on how you should take care of it.
• If you need special equipment, make sure you know how to use it, where you can get it, and if it's covered by your insurance, Medicare or other health plan.
• Ask if you need to follow up about any test results after you leave and who you should contact for these results.
• Find out if any follow-up visits are needed with your doctor or other caregiver.
• Review your insurance to find out what costs are covered and not covered after you are discharged - such as charges for medicines and equipment.
• If you need to receive home care services or you need to be sent to a nursing home or assisted living center for follow-up care, make sure that the facility or services is covered by your insurance, Medicare or other health plan and that it is licensed or accredited.