Last verified: October 2026
What should you do first when a Tucson hospital plans a discharge?
Ask the hospital case manager three things on day one: whether your parent is an inpatient or under observation, what level of care the team recommends after discharge, and the date they are planning for.
Inpatient status matters because Medicare's skilled nursing benefit depends on a qualifying inpatient stay.
How do you choose between rehab, home and assisted living?
Rehab in a nursing home fits someone who needs daily therapy or skilled nursing; home with home health fits someone safe at home with visits; assisted living fits someone who no longer manages alone but is medically stable.
Compare nursing homes for rehab by CMS rating →
What paperwork does assisted living need after a hospital stay?
Arizona assisted living needs documentation dated within 90 days, signed by a physician, nurse practitioner, RN or physician assistant, stating whether continuous medical or nursing care or restraints are needed, plus TB screening.
Ask the hospital to complete the facility's form before discharge; it is much harder afterward.
How do you check a facility quickly?
Look up the facility on AZ Care Check (assisted living) or Care Compare (nursing homes), read the latest two inspections, and confirm it holds the service level your parent needs, such as directed care for dementia.
Who can help if the timeline feels impossible?
Ask the hospital for a short extension while you secure a placement, call Pima Council on Aging at (520) 790-7262 for options, or use a local advisor to find openings that match the care level today.
If you disagree with a Medicare discharge decision, the notice the hospital gives you explains how to appeal.
What should you ask the hospital before the discharge date?
Ask for the discharge summary and medication list, the therapy recommendations, any equipment orders, and the name of the person to call if something goes wrong in the first 48 hours.
Medication changes at discharge are a common source of confusion; ask the nurse to explain which old medications stop. Bring the new list to the assisted living manager or home health nurse on the first day.
After a Tucson hospital stay
| Rehab (nursing home) | Assisted living | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it fits | needs daily therapy or skilled nursing | stable, needs daily help |
| Medicare | limited covered days after an inpatient stay | does not pay rent or personal care |
| Paperwork | hospital referral | practitioner documentation within 90 days, TB screening |
