Returning Home

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For Patients

Once you are cleared for discharge at Indiana University Health North Hospital you will begin the process of preparing to return home. Going home after hospitalization can be an overwhelming time as you adjust to changes in your body or recovery from an illness.

Please remember that it can take time for your body to heal and there are precautions you may need to take before returning fully to an active lifestyle.

Notify your physician if you have any concerns, or if you develop:

  • Any signs of infection
  • A fever greater than 101 degrees, or chilling
  • A foul odor or foul drainage from a surgical site
  • Redness or excessive swelling
  • Persistent nausea or vomiting
  • Persistent diarrhea or constipation
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Excessive pain (including severe headache)
  • Respiratory problems
  • Difficulty with urination
  • Any unusual symptoms

Should you have an emergency upon arriving home, please do not call the hospital. Call 911 immediately.

Starting the Discharge Process

Before your discharge, a nurse will go over your care with you, talk to you about follow-up appointments, and explain the discharge procedure. You will be provided with specific verbal and written instructions about your care regarding:

  • Activity
  • Medications
  • Pain Control
  • Diet
  • Follow-up care as directed by your physician
  • Returning to work. You may need a written statement from your surgeon. Please ask your doctor.

Tips for a Successful Transition Home for Children

  • Give your child choices when possible such as selecting meals and activities.
  • Give your child responsibilities and tasks according to his or her ability.
  • Have your child go back to his or her regular schedule and daily routines.
  • Allow your child to express sadness and anger. Offer encouragement and support.
  • Note that some children will need to talk and work through their hospital experience once it is over.

Loading Your Car

You can load your car in front of the hospital near the Women’s Service entrance. Please do not use the emergency room entrance.

In addition:

  • You will need a licensed driver to accompany you to the hospital and drive you home.
  • If you choose to use a cab service to take you home following your surgery, you must be accompanied by a caregiver.
  • Do not drive, operate machinery, or power equipment while under the influence of anesthesia or narcotics. If you have been given a general anesthetic or sedation, you cannot drive a motor vehicle for a minimum of 24 hours.

Discharge Planning Services

Managing health care can sometimes be overwhelming; therefore, services are available for patients and families who need assistance upon discharge. The case manager or social worker can help you select the services that your family needs and will arrange for care while you are still at the hospital.

Home Care Services

Your physician may order home care services when you are discharged. These services can be provided by many home care companies. Your physician and other staff can help you choose a company that can provide the required services. Although many home care services are covered by insurance, some specific items may not be covered by your insurance.

Outpatient Rehabilitation Services

IU Health North Hospital also provides outpatient rehabilitation services consisting of occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy.

Rehabilitation Services at IU Health North Hospital is located in the north end of the atrium, directly across from Atrio, the gourmet restaurant of IU Health North. If you choose to use Rehabilitation Services at IU Health North Hospital for your outpatient therapy needs, please call 317.688.2021 to schedule your appointments.

Filling Prescriptions

During the day when you are discharged, you may fill prescriptions at the IU Health North Hospital Retail Pharmacy located inside the gift shop near the Welcome Desk. You can pay for prescriptions by cash, check or credit card.

Depending on the type of insurance you have, you can ask that your prescription be billed. The Pharmacy is open from 9 am - 5 pm Monday - Friday.

Surgical Follow-up

We call every patient after surgery to see how he/she is doing. Expect a call within 24 hours of your discharge. We welcome any questions, comments or feedback at this time.

Emergencies

Should you have an emergency upon returning home, do not call the hospital. Please call 911.

Surveys

Within two weeks after you are discharged, you may receive a phone call from a customer service representative asking about the care you and your family received. Your honest answers and comments will assist us to identify areas we need to modify, as well as reward associates in areas for providing exceptional care. Your opinion is very important to us.