If you’ve ever been standing at the edge of a hospital bed, overwhelmed, exhausted, and terrified of what comes next… then heard the case manager walk in and say:
“You’re all set!“
You know exactly how misleading that sentence can feel.
Because the truth is:
“You’re all set” rarely means you’re actually set.
It usually means: “We’ve done the minimum paperwork required to discharge your loved one… the rest is now on you.“
This article breaks down what case managers do, what they don’t do, and the exact questions you need to ask before anyone wheels your loved one out the door.
For the full discharge checklist, see:
The Hospital Discharge Checklist Every Family Caregiver Wishes They Had
Why Case Managers Say “You’re All Set”
Most case managers are juggling:
- 20–30 patients
- Constant insurance calls
- Home health orders
- Equipment requests
- Discharge deadlines
- Pressure from administration
They’re not trying to rush you.
They’re trying to move a system that runs at full speed every single day.
“You’re all set” means:
- The paperwork is done
- The insurance is approved
- The discharge plan is technically complete
But it does NOT mean:
- You understand the plan
- The home is ready
- You know what symptoms to watch for
- Transportation is arranged
- You have the equipment you need
- You’ve been taught how to care for your loved one
This is why families leave feeling panicked instead of prepared.
What “You’re All Set” Actually Means in Hospital Language
1. “Your insurance approved the discharge.“
This has nothing to do with whether you are prepared.
It means the insurance company will stop paying for inpatient care.
2. “The orders have been placed in the computer.“
This does NOT guarantee:
- Home health is coming
- Equipment is delivered
- Anyone will call you
- The timeline works for you
It only means the doctor signed off.
3. “Home health will reach out.“
This is hospital speak for:
“We ordered it… after that, it’s out of our hands.“
If home health doesn’t call you within 48 hours, you must call them.
4. “Transportation is arranged” means a wheelchair van is booked.
It does NOT mean:
- You know the cost
- You know when they’re coming
- You approved the plan
- You understand alternative options
5. “Follow-up appointments are needed.“
It does NOT always mean they scheduled them.
Sometimes you’re responsible – and no one tells you.
This confusion is one of the biggest reasons families feel lost.
The Part Case Managers Don’t Say Out Loud
Families often assume the case manager will:
- Set up home health
- Arrange all appointments
- Order equipment
- Make sure the home is safe
- Explain medications
- Walk them through the care plan
- Follow up afterward
But most case managers are not allowed to:
- Change medical plans
- Adjust prescriptions
- Correct mistakes in orders
- Delay discharge
- Provide hands-on care teaching
And they often don’t have time to explain everything unless you ask.
That’s why education matters – and why Willow & Wells created the Care System Education Hub to break all of this down clearly.
What Families NEED to Clarify Before Leaving the Hospital
Here are the questions case managers expect you to ask – but rarely mention.
1. “What services were ordered for home?“
- Nursing
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Home health aide
You need the exact list.
2. “When will home health call us?“
You need a timeline, not a guess.
If you hear:
“They’ll call you soon.”
Ask:
“Should I expect a call today? Tomorrow? Within 48 hours?”
3. “What equipment is being ordered?“
Ask whether it’s:
- Covered by insurance
- Delivered to home
- Picked up at a local supplier
- Coming today vs next week
Equipment delays are one of the biggest discharge failures.
4. “Who do I call if the equipment doesn’t show up?“
You need:
- A specific number
- A specific department
- A backup plan
5. “Did you schedule the follow-up appointments?“
Most families assume they are scheduled.
In reality:
- Sometimes the hospital schedules them
- Sometimes the specialist does
- Sometimes you must
- Sometimes no one does
You need clarity.
6. “Can you go over the discharge instructions with me?“
Case managers usually expect the nurse to do this – but that doesn’t always happen.
Ask for a walkthrough.
Then go to:
The Hospital Discharge Checklist Every Family Caregiver Wishes They Had
and compare notes.
7. “What should I do if no one calls me?“
This question alone prevents days of confusion.
Write the answer down.
Tape it to the fridge.
The Moment Families Realize the Hospital is Done
Once the patient leaves, the hospital’s job is over.
- The doctor signs off.
- The nurse hands you papers.
- The case manager closes the chart.
- The hospital moves on to the next patient.
And suddenly you become the care coordinator.
If this feels unfair or overwhelming, you’re not wrong – it’s exactly why Willow & Wells exists.
What To Do If You Still Don’t Feel Prepared
If you’re leaving the hospital thinking:
“I don’t feel ready to do this on my own.“
That is normal.
The healthcare system is not designed to guide families – it’s designed to discharge quickly.
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Download: Questions to Ask Your Case Manager (Printable Sheet)
Before they leave the room, ask:
- What services were ordered for home?
- When will they call us?
- What equipment is being delivered?
- When will the equipment arrive?
- What do we do if it doesn’t show up?
- Who schedules follow-up appointments?
- What symptoms should I watch for at home?
- What number do I call if things get worse?
- What number do I call if no one calls me?
- Who is the main doctor in charge of care now?
