Discharge Planning
Throughout your stay, we’re committed to keeping you well informed about your discharge plans and prepared for any needs that may arise after you leave the hospital. Our goal is to help make your transition to the next level of care as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Once your doctor believes it is appropriate for you to leave the hospital, you’ll receive discharge instructions for follow-up care and details about any new medications.
In addition to your doctors and nurses, a case manager may assist you in arranging home care or additional services. NCH social workers are available to provide guidance to help you and your loved ones deal with financial, social and emotional needs related to illness or hospitalization.
Asking the Right Questions
As your discharge time nears, we suggest making arrangements for someone to be present when you receive follow-up care instructions. It’s valuable to have someone trusted with you to take notes, ask questions and provide overall support during the discharge process. Some questions to consider asking your doctors or nurse before leaving are:
- What medications am I taking? Why and when do I need to take them?
- Do I have any new prescriptions to fill?
- Should I see a doctor or specialist after discharge? When should this appointment be scheduled? (Ask for names and contact information, too.)
- Who should I call if I feel my condition is getting worse? What symptoms should I watch for?
- Are there any special diets I need to follow?
- Will I need to get medical supplies or equipment?
- Do I need to modify or make changes in my home to accommodate medical equipment and supplies? Do I need to consider adding any safety measures?
- Will I need extra help performing daily activities (e.g., preparing meals, shopping for groceries, performing housework/chores)?
Before leaving the hospital, you should feel comfortable with the information and instructions provided to you. If you are unsure in any way about your condition, safety, medications or follow-up care, please ask your doctor or nurse for further explanation.
Arranging for Transportation
Planning in advance with loved ones and friends can help make your transition to home much smoother. When the moment to leave the hospital arrives, you will be escorted to the Main Entrance or North Entrance. Please arrange for someone to pick you up at the entrance specified by your nurse.
Additional Resources
- After discharge, some patients require home healthcare. NCH Home Care is among the home care agencies serving the surrounding area and has been a leader in providing home healthcare services since 1969.
- Support groups connect individuals who have faced or are facing similar medical experiences including chronic illness, diabetes management and heart health, to name a few.
- If you have concerns about your medical expenses, NCH provides a complete range of financial services including price quotes, room rates and financial assistance.
- NCH’s Physical Rehabilitation Services offers six convenient locations with extended weekday and weekend hours. Services include physical, occupational, speech and language, and aquatic or sports medicine therapy.
- NCH’s community outreach program has developed innovative programs and services to address the unique needs of the under-resourced and vulnerable populations within the surrounding community. This includes affordable community health clinics, educational health programs and counseling services.