Going Home

When your doctor determines you are ready to leave the hospital, a discharge order will be written. To help keep down the cost of care, please make arrangements with a family member or friend to help you leave the hospital within two hours. Also, tell the nursing staff what time you expect to leave, so someone can be available to assist you. If you need transportation, or need to stay longer, please talk to your nurse.

Some important things to remember:

• Personal belongings: Collect all of your belongings and double-check closets and drawers. If you have anything stored in the hospital safe, ask your nurse to have someone bring it to you.
• Discharge instructions: Your doctor and your nurse will give you instructions about post-hospital care. If you have questions about your diet, activities, or other matters, please be sure to ask.
• Medications: If your doctor gives you a prescription, you may ask your nurse to call it in to the pharmacy of your choice.
• Escort service: When you are ready to leave, a member of the hospital staff or a volunteer will escort you to the front entrance and help you into the car. There are occasions when patients need additional treatment or care after they are discharged as a regular patient. To meet the special needs of these patients, Hood River Memorial Hospital offers some specific options.
• Skilled nursing care: This program is designed for patients who no longer require acute care in a hospital, but who need additional short-term skilled care before discharge. Rehabilitation and specialized skilled nursing care are emphasized.
• In-hospital respite care: This service is available to families who need a break from daily caregiving of a terminally or chronically ill loved one (except someone who might pose a security risk). Besides room and board, people needing 24-hour care will receive help with their daily activities and have any round-the-clock nursing care required. Ask the nursing supervisor for more information.
• Home health care: Home Health Care is a full-service home care agency which supplies nurses, nurse aides, medical social workers, and therapists for home health care in Hood River and Wasco counties. Most private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid provide coverage for home health service. Though your doctor must prescribe this service, you can call Home Health at 541-387-6339 for more information.
• Home respiratory equipment: Hood River Memorial Hospital can provide a wide range of respiratory therapy equipment and supplies to patients in their homes. Call Cardio-Pulmonary Services at 541-387-6337 for more information.
• Gorge chemical dependency treatment: This outpatient treatment center is for individuals and families who suffer from alcoholism and other drug dependencies. Adult, family and adolescent programs and educational services are provided. Call 541-387-6138 for more information.