Coming out of hospital can be a daunting experience for both you and your loved one.
Understanding Discharge
Before leaving the hospital, ensure you receive clear discharge instructions. Don’t hesitate to ask questions regarding medications, follow-up appointments, any specific care needs and ongoing care arrangements.
Has any care or support been arranged, who is providing it? Who is paying for it and for how long? What equipment will you need? How will you get it?
Tip: Write down any instructions or have a family member present to help you remember.
What Help Can I Expect?
After hospital discharge, you may be moved to a specific rehabilitation setting until you have reached your own maximum potential for recovery or a ‘care hub’ for a short period of funded full time care.
If you are able to go home, a care package may be funded for a short period but make sure you know who is providing this and for how long!?
Tip: Discuss with your healthcare team your specific needs, what services they recommend and additional help that may be available, even if you have to pay for it.
Follow-Up Care: Who pays?
Make sure the care you need for going home has been arranged. The Hospital can arrange a short period of funded care but this will soon become means tested (unless you are eligible for full health funding).
As a way of making sure your care need is met once discharged, and sometimes to allow for a fuller assessment of your ongoing needs. A ‘care package’ may be arranged by the Hospital or Local Authority.
IF this is paid for, it is only for a short period - possibly up to six weeks, if at all. Be prepared to find and possibly fund ongoing support.
Find out if you will be a 'self-funder' when this short term funded care ends.
Schedule follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. This is crucial for monitoring recovery and addressing any ongoing health issues.
Tip: Use a calendar or reminder app to track appointments and medication schedules. A dosette box for medication may help or a medication reminder (Alexa or another app can do this). The Pharmacist may be able to help.
Home Safety Assessment
Is your home safe? Do you need any aids or equipment?
Evaluate your home for safety. Ensure pathways are clear, and consider removing trip hazards, furniture may need to be rearranged or removed.
Tip: If mobility is an issue, think about installing grab bars in bathrooms and using a shower chair. The Occupational Therapist from either the Hospital or Local Authority can assess your home and must provide free aids and adaptations (up to £1000) to help you live at home independently.
Support Services
Give yourself the best chance of not going back into Hospital!
Think about what support you may need, additional services, help around the house, meals or physio therapy (this may be private or provided by the GP surgery). Would meaks, laundry or housekeeping help, even if for a while?
Tip: Reach out for help to assist with setting up these services.
Get the Right Assessments
Seek assessments for any ongoing care needs. This might include occupational therapy or assessments for mobility aids. Care Act assessment from the Local Authority. Continuing Healthcare Checklist/assessment for health funding.
Tip: Contact your local health authority or social services for information on accessing these assessments.
What is an Unsafe Discharge?
An unsafe discharge is when a patient leaves the hospital without receiving proper instructions or support for their ongoing care. This can include leaving without necessary medications, follow-up appointments, or without arranging for support services.
Tip: If you feel uncertain about your discharge or care plan, speak up. You have the right to ask questions and request additional support.
FAQs
Q: What should I do if I feel overwhelmed after coming home?
It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. Reach out to family, friends, or support groups for help.
Additionally, consider professional support services to assist with care needs.
Q: How can I make sure I’m taking medications correctly?
Organize medications in a pill organizer/dossette box. Sometimes the pharmacist will do this for you.
Set reminders for when to take them, and maintain an updated list of all medications to discuss at follow-up appointments.
Q: What if I need help but don’t know where to start?
Don’t hesitate to contact Care.Choice.Connect or local adult social care. They can provide guidance on available resources and support services.
Q: Are there financial resources available for home care?
Yes, several options might be available, including government assistance programs, charities, and insurance coverage. Contact us for a Care Funding and Benefit check
Conclusion
Coming out of the hospital doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By planning ahead and utilizing available resources, you can ensure a smoother transition back home.
Remember, you’re not alone; help is out there, and we are here to support you.
Apr 2
4 min read
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