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AIMS The purpose of this study was to validate patient's primary caregiver and their nurses' perception of patient discharge readiness assessment and their association with post-discharge medical consumption. DESIGN The study employed a descriptive research, prospective longitudinal study design. METHOD The study was performed in a ward of a medical center in Taipei, Taiwan, from June 2017 - May 2018. Obtained data were analyzed using an independent t-test, one-way ANOVA and logistic regression approach. RESULTS/FINDINGS The number of comorbidities and the number of days of hospital stay were positively associated with post discharge emergency room visits. Caregiver readiness for hospital discharge had significant negative correlation with patient's 30-day readmission. Both caregiver and nurse readiness for the hospital discharge scale (RHDS) score were not factors associated with the patient's 30-day emergency room visit. CONCLUSION Based on the research findings, to assess the discharge readiness as perceived by caregivers at patients' discharge is recommended. IMPACT Caregiver and nurse scores on readiness for hospital discharge showed a significant positive correlation. The higher the score of a caregiver's readiness for patient's hospital discharge, the lower the 30-day readmission rate. Family-centered care enables patients to safely pass though the transition phase from hospital to community and reduces the post-release consumption of medical resources. The discharge readiness perceived by caregivers should be included in any decision making.