My loved one is being discharged from the psych ward. What should I ask the hospital social worker?

Will the hospital talk to me?

Ask your loved one to sign the hospital's release of information naming you.

Without it, the hospital may still share relevant information with family when your loved one does not object. If your loved one cannot agree, staff can share when it is in their best interest (HHS, 45 CFR 164.510(b)).

You can always give the team information, even when they cannot share back.

What should I ask about housing?

1. Where will my loved one sleep on the night of discharge?
2. If not with us, which options did you contact: supportive housing, group home, crisis residential, shelter? What is the wait?
3. Is discharge to a shelter or the street planned? If so, please write the reason in the record.

If your loved one will live with you, a lease agreement shows they pay a fair share. If they are outside and refusing help, see what families can do when a loved one is homeless.

What should I ask about follow-up care?

1. What is the date, time, and address of the first appointment? Is it within 7 days?
2. Who prescribes after discharge, and how many days of medication or prescriptions go home?
3. Was a referral made to case management, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), or a community mental health center?

What should I ask about benefits?

1. Has anyone started an SSI or SSDI application? Families can start one by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (SSA).
2. Is Medicaid active? If not, can the hospital help file an application before discharge?
3. Wisconsin: Is this a qualified hospital for presumptive eligibility? Qualified hospitals can grant temporary BadgerCare Plus coverage to eligible adults (WI DHS).
4. Illinois: Hospital presumptive eligibility is on hold, so ask the hospital to help file a full application (IL HFS).

Apply online: Illinois at ABE.illinois.gov. Wisconsin at access.wisconsin.gov. For how SSI, SSDI, and childhood disability benefits differ, see SSI, SSDI, and childhood disability benefits. If a claim was denied, see how to appeal.

What should I ask about safety and legal status?

1. Was my loved one voluntary or court committed? Are there conditions of release or an outpatient order?
2. What warning signs should send us back, and which crisis team covers our address?

Write the warning signs down in a family safety plan. For the days after you get home, see what to do after a crisis.

What should we do before discharge day?

1. Ask for a family meeting, in person or by phone.
2. Bring your one-page timeline and your loved one's insurance cards.
3. Get the plan, appointment, and medication list in writing before leaving.