Hospital discharge planning is a critical process for seniors and their families. Discharging a patient too soon can cause stress and readmission, making it essential to understand the patient's needs, diagnosis, and medication. Planning for discharge includes arranging for transportation, in-home care, medication, and equipment, and finding out about follow-up doctor appointments and home and community care support. If you're facing hospital discharge, it's important to work with the hospital's health care team to prepare for your elderly loved one's safe transition to home care.