Going Home: Your Patient Discharge Guide
On This Page
- Before You Leave the Hospital
- Discharge Checklist
- Day of Discharge
- Follow-Up Care
- When to Get Help
- Home Care & Community Supports
- Short-Term Recovery Accommodation
Before You Leave the Hospital
Planning for Your Discharge
Planning for a safe return home begins when you are admitted to the hospital. Throughout your stay, your health care team will discuss your recovery goals, expected discharge date, and any support services you may need after leaving the hospital.
Before you leave, make sure you understand:
- Your treatment and recovery plan
- Any activity or movement restrictions
- Your medications and how to take them
- Follow-up appointments and tests
- Services or supports arranged for you at home
If you have questions, ask a member of your health care team before you leave.
Understanding Your Medications
Before you leave the hospital, make sure you:
- Know the name of each medication.
- Understand what each medication is used for.
- Know how much to take and when to take it.
- Understand possible side effects or interactions with other medications.
- Know how to store your medications properly.
- Have any new prescriptions that you need.
If you are unsure about any medication instructions, speak with your nurse, pharmacist, or physician before you leave.
Moving Safely During Recovery
If your recovery includes movement restrictions or rehabilitation exercises, make sure you understand:
- What activities are safe for you
- Any movement precautions you need to follow
- Exercises recommended by your care team
- Any mobility aids or equipment you need at home
Ask your care team to explain or demonstrate anything that is unclear.
The Day Before You Leave
To help make your discharge go smoothly:
- Confirm who will be taking you home and what time they will arrive.
- Ask family or friends to take home extra personal belongings, if possible.
- Keep a change of clothes available for the day of discharge.
- Make arrangements for any support you may need when you return home.
Discharge Checklist
Before leaving the hospital, make sure you can answer "yes" to the following:
☐ I know when I am leaving the hospital.
☐ I have arranged transportation home.
☐ I understand how to care for myself and/or the services and supports coming to help me at home.
☐ I know what medications I should take and when to take them.
☐ I understand any changes to my medications.
☐ I know about my follow-up appointments.
☐ I know what symptoms to watch for during my recovery.
☐ I know who to contact if I have questions or concerns.
☐ I have the equipment, supplies, or supports I need at home.
☐ My family member, caregiver, or support person understands how they can help.
Day of Discharge
Most patients are discharged by 11:00 a.m.
Before leaving:
- Ensure you have all your personal belongings.
- Review your discharge instructions with your health care team.
- Confirm any appointments that have been booked for you.
- Ask any remaining questions about your recovery or care at home.
You will receive information about follow-up care, medications, and any services arranged to support your recovery.
Follow-Up Care
After you return home, book an appointment with your family physician or primary care provider, ideally within 7 days, if one has not already been arranged.
Your provider can:
- Review your recovery progress
- Discuss any medication changes
- Answer questions about your treatment plan
- Coordinate any additional care you may need
Following up with your primary care provider is an important part of your recovery.
When to Get Help
Contact your family physician, nurse practitioner, or health care provider if:
- Your symptoms are getting worse
- You have questions about your medications
- You are concerned about your recovery
- You are unsure about your discharge instructions
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if you experience a medical emergency.
If you are uncertain about where to seek care, contact your health care provider for advice.
Home Care & Community Supports
Many patients recover successfully at home with support from family, caregivers, and community services.
If you require additional help after discharge, your health care team can work with you to arrange appropriate supports before you leave the hospital.
Ontario Health atHome
Ontario Health atHome helps coordinate health care services for patients recovering at home.
Depending on your needs, services may include:
- Nursing care
- Personal support services
- Rehabilitation services
- Care coordination and case management
- Equipment
If home care services are needed, your health care team can help arrange them before discharge.
Contact Information
Ontario Health atHome - South East Region (Brockville Office)
555 California Avenue, Unit 1
Bag Service 7000
Brockville, ON K6V 7K6
Telephone: 613-283-8012
Toll Free: 1-800-267-6041
Community Support Services
Community Support Services can help people continue living safely at home and support caregivers during recovery.
Available services may include:
- Meal programs
- Homemaking support
- Transportation assistance
- Caregiver supports
- Other community-based services
Your health care team can help connect you with services that meet your needs.
Short-Term Recovery Accommodation
Some patients may benefit from a short stay in a retirement home while they recover following a hospital stay or surgery.
Retirement homes that offer convalescent or short-term recovery stays may provide:
- Medication management
- Personal care services
- Assistance with mobility
- Meals and housekeeping services
Services and costs vary between locations because retirement homes are privately operated.
If you are planning for surgery, you may wish to explore available options before your admission to hospital.
Need Help Arranging Supports?
If you think you may need home care services, community supports, or short-term recovery accommodations after discharge, speak with a member of your health care team.
They can help connect you with the services and resources needed to support your recovery and safe return home.