15 Questions to Ask Your Hospital Care Coordinator Before Bringing Your Medically Complex Child Home

1. Has a private duty nursing agency been assigned—and do they have nurses with trach/vent experience?
Not all agencies or nurses have the right experience. Ask for a list of local agencies, and clarify your child’s specific needs (e.g., trach, vent, oxygen, G-tube, seizure management).

2. What is the timeline for starting in-home nursing?
There is often a gap between discharge and the first nursing shift. Ask what support is in place during this transition.

3. What are my options if a nurse cancels or doesn’t show up?
Understand how to escalate care concerns and who to call in an emergency when no nurse is available.

4. How do I change nursing agencies if the one assigned isn’t a good fit?
Know the process in advance so you’re not stuck if things don’t work out.

5. What medical equipment and supplies will be delivered to our home—and when?
Confirm delivery of:

6. Who do I contact if equipment isn’t working or hasn’t arrived?
Make sure you have a direct contact at your DME (Durable Medical Equipment) provider.

7. Do we need any additional home modifications (e.g., generator, extension cords, bedside tables)?
Ask what other families commonly need and whether the hospital offers any support or funding.

8. Have I completed all necessary parent/caregiver training and returned demonstrations (e.g., trach change, CPR, vent alarms)?
You should feel confident in your skills, but also know where to find help if something feels uncertain after discharge.

9. What is the emergency plan if something goes wrong at home?
Make sure you leave with:

10. Do I need to register my child with the local EMS or fire department?
Some counties allow pre-registration for medically fragile children to ensure faster, more informed emergency responses.

11. What follow-up appointments have been scheduled, and which ones do I need to make myself?
Clarify who is scheduling what—and how far in advance to plan.

12. How do I reach the hospital team if I have follow-up questions after discharge?
Is there a nurse line? Care coordinator contact? On-call physician?

13. Will a social worker or case manager continue to support us after discharge?
Some hospitals offer ongoing support—ask what’s available and how to access it.

14. Can we schedule a “mock discharge” or trial run?
Some hospitals offer a supervised overnight stay where you manage your child’s care independently with backup nearby. This can build confidence and reveal questions you didn’t think to ask.

15. Are there any family support groups or nonprofits that can help us adjust?
Many medically complex families benefit from connecting with others who’ve been through it. Your care coordinator may know of local or national resources like Hello Nurze.

Final Thought:
Discharging home isn’t just about going home—it’s about entering a new chapter of care where you are the care team. By asking the right questions now, you’re setting your family up for safety, confidence, and success. Remember: You don’t have to know everything—just know where to turn for help.

💙 You’ve got this—and you’re not alone.