After Your Stay

Going Home: Discharge from the Hospital

When you’re ready, being discharged from the hospital is the next step toward recovery. Discharge only occurs when you are medically ready. However, you may not be fully healed or recovered. Some patients may have a health condition that still needs attention and care.  

Most patients go directly from the hospital to heal at home. Before leaving the hospital, we will provide you with comprehensive discharge instructions. This might include follow-up visits with your doctor or specialists, prescriptions, home care instructions, and other special arrangements needed to help with your recovery. 

It is very important to ask questions about your follow-up care. Before you are discharged, make a list of any questions you have and write the answers down. We want you to feel confident and empowered before leaving the hospital. 

Discharging early in the day has many benefits for your convenience and safety. We will work with you toward this goal whenever possible. Please plan to arrange for early transportation on the day your physician approves your discharge. 

Transportation Arrangements 

Public transportation, such as RTA bus or taxi, or rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft, is located outside the hospital. Patients with special care limitations or equipment can be transported home by ambulance. Most patients ask for a ride from a family member, friend, or other caregiver. Talk to the hospital staff if you need assistance arranging transportation. 

Special Care Needs 

You may still need specialized care after leaving the hospital. After discharge, you’ll transition to the next most appropriate level of care. Nurse case managers, social workers, and home care liaisons are available to help you plan for any special care you may require. They can assist you in making the necessary arrangements for additional nursing care, therapy, or special medical equipment for your home. If additional support or supervision is needed during your recovery, they will coordinate your care with the appropriate facility, community resources, or insurance, or help with other financial arrangements.  

Home Care 

Fidelity Health Care offers a comprehensive range of home health care services throughout Southwest Ohio. They understand that recovery does not end with your discharge from the hospital. Fidelity's clinicians are experienced professionals who are trained to meet the specific needs of each individual patient in the  comfort of home. 

Fidelity's services include: 

  • Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, home care aides, and rehabilitation therapists 
  • Medical social workers 
  • Infusion therapy 
  • Independent care 
  • Oxygen therapy 
  • Home care medical equipment 

Fidelity also offers chronic care management programs for patients with chronic and life-limiting illness, including congestive heart failure, respiratory disease, and other specialty areas. For more information about home and community-based services, ask to speak with a Home Care Liaison or call Fidelity Health Care at (937) 208-6400(937) 208-6400.

Nutrition Counseling 

To help you continue your recovery at home, Premier Health offers outpatient nutrition counseling and diet education to help you manage the symptoms of a wide range of chronic diseases. Also known as medical nutrition therapy, this counseling is provided by licensed registered dietitians, with a required referral from your health care provider. Through Premier Health nutrition counseling, you and your dietitian will work together to create an eating plan to meet your health goals, fit your lifestyle, and help you control the symptoms of your medical condition. 

Medications at Discharge 

You will be given an up-to-date list of your medications as part of your discharge instructions. Your doctor may have made some changes since you were in the hospital. You may now be taking a different medicine or medicines, or the dosage (amount, how often) of your medicine may have changed. If you or your family members have any questions, please be sure to ask your doctor or nurse. 

Prescriptions Ready to Go When You Are 

After you leave the hospital, we know you have many things to do. With this in mind, we want you to know that you can have your prescriptions filled at any Premier Health retail pharmacy, located in the hospital, so you can pick them up before you leave. If you’re interested in this service, please reach out to a member of your care team.