Convalescent care at home
Supportive convalescent care at home from trusted Care Professionals, helping those recovering from illness, injury, surgery or any hospital stay to get back on their feet.
What is convalescent care?
Convalescent care is a type of short-term, bespoke support for those who are recovering from an illness, injury, surgery or any other kind of hospital stay so they can get back to being independent in their own home. This may be visiting care to help families cope with the additional demands of looking after an injured loved one, or it could be live-in care to provide 24/7 assistance. Our Care Professionals can help with tasks such as:
- Personal care and hygiene
- Home help and housekeeping
- Meal preparation and cooking
- Medication reminders or assistance
- Continence care if needed
- Mobility support
- Emotional support
- Transport to follow-up hospital or doctor appointments
- Simple wound care
- Vital signs monitoring
Why is convalescent care at home helpful for older adults?
Getting out of hospital and recovering from a significant event can be challenging for older people with new mobility issues or health conditions to manage. Having dedicated convalescent care can support their recovery, encourage independence, and foster confidence.The World Health Organization recommends older adults be cared for in their own homes for as long as possible to maintain their wellbeing, so having convalescent care at home instead of spending more time in hospital can be hugely beneficial.In addition to practical assistance like personal care, convalescent care could help look after pets, facilitate home adaptations to help with recovery, encourage perseverance with physical therapy (if needed) to regain mobility, and more.
Do I need convalescent care?
Transitioning from hospital–where care is available 24/7–to a home environment can be tricky, but convalescent care is designed to make this easier. It may be difficult to know whether you should bring in convalescent care for a loved one or manage their recovery yourself, but professional convalescent care could have the added benefit of reducing stress and demand for families. It could also be a potentially safer choice for your older relative – one study found proper transitional aftercare interventions led to a 32% reduction in 30-day hospital readmission rates compared to standard hospital discharge processes. This highlights the importance of the right care at the right time.
How can we help?
We've helped thousands of families to stay safe, comfortable and happy at home. Whatever situation you're facing, or whatever the question is, Home Instead is here to help.
Are you in need of a little guidance right away?
03300 583450Are you in need of a little guidance right away?
03300 583450
I have had my care from Home Instead for almost ten years and things just keep getting better. I can’t praise them enough.Kevan, Client
Home Instead have an experienced caring team that far exceeds in quality anything we experienced from other agencies at this point of service.Steve, Client
Home Instead have been looking after my father for a few years now, without them we would not be able to manage having him living in his own home. They are always bright and cheerful and Dad enjoys seeing them.Bridget, Clients Family
Let's have a chat to
see how we can help
How to get started arranging convalescent care
If your loved one is currently in hospital or has a hospital stay planned, or you think you may need to arrange convalescent care for another reason, our experienced Care Professionals are ready to step in with the care they need.
Our helpful office staff work hard to pair every client with a Care Professional who matches their interests, respects their choices and can be flexible as your loved one’s needs change during recovery.
Whatever questions you would like answered about arranging convalescent care in the future or after an unexpected hospital stay, we’re here to help.
Why Home Instead?
Our friendly, compassionate Care Professionals and helpful office staff offer support during recovery from illness, injury or surgery, and we are proudly rated 9.6 on Homecare.co.uk, with many of our locations also rated “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
From providing practical assistance with personal care tasks, to encouraging independence within the home, to the emotional support an older person may need, our Care Professionals can provide compassionate, recovery-focused care whenever you need it.
FAQs
What is elderly convalescent care at home?
Elderly convalescent care at home provides professional support for older adults recovering from illness, surgery, or a hospital stay. It focuses on aiding recovery by offering services such as assistance with mobility, medication management, personal care, and meal preparation, all within the comfort and familiarity of the home.
What services are included in convalescent care?
Convalescent care is tailored to the individual’s recovery needs and may include:
- Help with personal hygiene and dressing
- Assistance with mobility and light exercises to promote recovery
- Preparation of nutritious meals and help with eating if necessary
- Medication management, including reminders or administration
- Wound care or other medical support as recommended by healthcare providers
- Companionship and emotional support to foster a positive recovery process
Care plans can evolve as recovery progresses to ensure continued support.
How does convalescent care at home benefit elderly individuals?
Receiving care at home allows elderly individuals to recover in a safe and familiar environment, reducing stress and promoting emotional well-being. It also minimises the risk of complications, such as infections, which may occur in hospital settings. Families gain peace of mind knowing their loved one is receiving personalised, professional care tailored to their recovery.
How can I arrange convalescent care at home?
You can arrange care by speaking with your GP, hospital discharge team, or local council. Alternatively, just get in touch with your local Home Instead office for an initial chat, and we’ll put together a package that’s fully tailored for your needs.
What should I look for in a convalescent care provider?
When selecting a provider, look for one like Home Instead that employs trained and experienced carers who specialise in elderly care and have knowledge of the particular needs of post surgical or recovery patients. Check for accreditation, insurance, and reputation by reading reviews or asking for recommendations. A good provider will work closely with you to regularly review and adapt the care plan, ensuring it continues to meet your needs effectively.
Diane WIlliams , Head of Quality & Standards
Before joining Home Instead, I built a comprehensive career in the social care sector, beginning in 1991 as a frontline care worker and advancing to senior leadership roles across both private and voluntary sector businesses.
Throughout my career, I have supported diverse care groups in a variety of settings, including community, residential, nursing, and secure environments. My experience spans working with older adults, including those living with dementia; individuals with physical disabilities and complex, long-term health needs; people with learning disabilities, including autism; individuals with enduring mental health challenges; individuals with current or past substance use and those with forensic backgrounds.
In 2002, I qualified as a social worker and have since maintained my professional registration with Social Work England.