Bush, 88, has spent almost two months in a Houston hospital for treatment of a bronchitis-related cough that led to a fever. He spent a week in intensive care in December. He has since undergone physical therapy to regain strength.
"I am deeply grateful for the wonderful doctors and nurses at Methodist who took such good care of me," Bush said in a statement released by spokesman Jim McGrath. "Let me add just how touched we were by the many get-well messages we received from our friends and fellow Americans. Your prayers and good wishes helped more than you know, and as I head home my only concern is that I will not be able to thank each of you for your kind words."
"Mr. Bush has improved to the point that he will not need any special medication when he goes home, but he will continue physical therapy," Amy Mynderse, the doctor in charge of bush's care, said in a Monday statement.
Bush's office said he was treated for a bacterial infection, along with the bronchitis and cough.
Bush is the oldest-living former American president.
Bush and his wife, Barbara, live in Houston during the winter and spend their summers at a home in Kennebunkport, Maine. On Jan. 6, they celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary. They are the longest-married presidential couple.
He suffers from a form of Parkinson's disease that has forced him in recent years to use a motorized scooter or wheelchair to get around.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
