Having a loved one in hospital is always a cause for stress in the family and there is great relief at the time of discharge. But that often does not mean that the stress is over. There is still a lot that needs to be done do ensure that the recovery goes smoothly. The patient may need a period of care and rehabilitation and this will usually require a great deal of support. Planning for the discharge and what comes after should begin well in advance to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Before Discharge Before the patient is discharged you should obtain the following information from the hospital: The expected date of discharge The type of care that the patient will require and whether specialized services will be necessary and if so, a list of approved care providers and services. The recommendations of the doctors and nurses on what actions you should take. Contact information from where additional information may be obtained and questions answered. Care a