Resources → When a parent is hospitalized

What to do when a parent is hospitalized

A hospital call can knock the wind out of you. Here's a calm, step-by-step checklist so you can focus on your parent while making sure nothing important is missed.

This is general organizational guidance, not medical advice. In an emergency, call your local emergency number. Always follow the care team's instructions.

In the first hours

• Write down where they are — hospital, unit, room, and the main phone number.
• Get the names of the attending physician and the nurse or case manager on the unit.
• Note the admitting reason in plain words, so you can repeat it to family and other doctors.
• Ask the team to note who may receive updates — a HIPAA authorization lets them speak with you.
• Tell siblings and close family at once, and agree on one person as the main point of contact.

During the stay

• Bring or share a current medication list and any allergies.
• Have their insurance cards, photo ID, and preferred pharmacy handy.
• If they exist, provide the advance directive and healthcare power of attorney so the team knows their wishes.
• Keep a simple log: date, who you spoke with, and what they said.
• Ask daily about the care plan: what's being treated, what to expect, and roughly how long.
• Ask the case manager early what discharge will likely involve.

Before discharge

• Request the discharge summary and a reviewed, reconciled medication list.
• Confirm follow-up appointments — with whom, when, and where.
• Ask what equipment or home help is needed (walker, oxygen, home health, physical therapy).
• Get clear warning signs to watch for and a number to call with questions.
• Check whether home is safe to return to, or whether rehab or extra help is needed first.

Once they're home

• Fill new prescriptions and set up reminders for the new schedule.
• Put follow-up appointments on a shared calendar the whole family can see.
• Save the discharge summary and med list where everyone helping can find them.
• Watch for warning signs and don't hesitate to call the follow-up number.
• Check in on the main caregiver — the person who was at the hospital needs support too.

From CareHub — Support for Independent Living · care-hub.app/resources