What is Care Called After Hospital? Understanding Your Options for Recovery
Discover care options after hospital discharge, from reablement to home care, for a smooth recovery at home.
Have you or a loved one recently been in hospital and are wondering what happens next?
Leaving hospital can be a relief, but it often comes with concerns about recovery and ongoing support. Whether you need short-term care to regain independence or longer-term assistance, understanding your options is crucial. This type of support is commonly referred to as intermediate care, reablement care, or simply aftercare.
At Home Instead Home Care & Live-in Care Dorchester, we understand the challenges that can arise after a hospital stay. This article explains the different types of care available, who qualifies for assistance, and how to ensure a smooth transition back home.
Getting Support After Hospital Discharge
Recovering from a hospital stay isn’t always straightforward. Many people need extra help with everyday tasks like dressing, cooking, and moving safely around their home. If you or a loved one are in this situation, there are different types of after-hospital care available to support recovery and maintain independence.
Reablement and Intermediate Care: Regaining Independence
For those who need temporary support, reablement care or intermediate care is often provided. These services focus on helping individuals relearn daily tasks, build confidence, and regain mobility. The goal is to restore independence rather than create a long-term dependency on care.
Who Qualifies for Free Short-Term Care?
Many people are eligible for free reablement care for up to six weeks. You might qualify if:
- You require help following a hospital discharge.
- You’ve had a fall or a short illness and need temporary assistance.
- You’re struggling with daily activities like preparing meals or personal care.
Hospital staff will assess your situation before discharge. If you have concerns about your care plan, ask to speak to the discharge coordinator for clarification.
What Does Reablement Care Involve?
If you receive reablement care, a team of health and social care professionals will work with you to rebuild confidence in daily activities. Support can include:
- Help with dressing and personal hygiene.
- Assistance with meal preparation.
- Guidance on moving safely around your home.
- Support with communication needs if required.
Depending on individual needs, the care team may include nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, social workers, and trained carers. A tailored care plan will be created with clear goals and regular visits from your support team.
What Happens When Reablement Ends?
Before reablement care concludes, your care team will discuss the next steps. These may include:
- Additional home care services, if ongoing support is required.
- Advice on home adaptations or equipment to improve safety.
- Guidance on how to access further support if needed.
If you still require assistance, you may need a care needs assessment to determine if long-term care is necessary.
Arranging Home Care After Hospital Discharge
Many hospitals now use a ‘discharge to assess’ approach. This means that instead of assessing long-term care needs in hospital, patients return home with short-term support, allowing a more accurate assessment of ongoing requirements in a familiar environment.
Steps in the Assessment Process
- Initial Support on Discharge – Hospital staff arrange temporary care and home adaptations before discharge.
- Ongoing Assessment – After a recovery period, a care needs assessment determines if additional support is necessary.
- Care Plan Development – If eligible, a personalised care plan is created, and a dedicated point of contact is assigned for queries or concerns.
Will You Have to Pay for Care at Home?
Financial support depends on individual circumstances. If a care needs assessment determines that ongoing care is required, a financial assessment will establish whether care costs will be covered. If you do not qualify for free support, private care arrangements may be necessary.
Planning for Care After Hospital Discharge
Common Delays in Hospital Discharge
Many patients experience delays in being discharged because of difficulties in arranging post-hospital care. This can lead to longer hospital stays when patients could be recovering more comfortably at home. A well-organised care plan can help prevent delays and ensure a smooth transition.
Risks of Poor Discharge Planning
If discharge planning is inadequate, patients may return home without the necessary support, leading to:
- Unsafe living conditions.
- Increased risk of falls or further illness.
- Higher chances of hospital readmission.
This highlights the importance of ensuring that appropriate care is in place before leaving hospital.
Types of Care Available After Hospital Discharge
Depending on individual needs, different types of care can be arranged, including:
Hourly Care
Provides essential support at set times throughout the day, such as assistance with dressing, meal preparation, or medication management.
Live-in Care
A professional carer stays in the home, providing 24-hour support to aid recovery and reduce the likelihood of hospital readmission.
Respite Care
Short-term care, typically lasting two weeks or more, allowing individuals to regain strength while giving family carers a break.
Convalescent Care
Focused on rehabilitation after surgery or illness, including post-operative support, physiotherapy, and mobility assistance.
Nurse-Led Care
For those with complex medical needs, providing clinical support such as wound care and medication management.
Occupational Therapy-Led Care
An Occupational Therapist assesses a person’s needs and recommends adaptations or equipment to improve mobility and safety at home.
The Benefits of Home Care After Hospital Discharge
Many people assume that after-hospital care must take place in a care home or hospice, but receiving care at home has significant advantages:
- Familiar surroundings promote emotional well-being and faster recovery.
- Personalised one-to-one support tailored to individual needs.
- Reduced risk of hospital readmission due to proper recovery support.
- Family involvement in care and recovery.
Choosing the Right Care After Leaving Hospital
Before discharge, understanding the level of care needed is essential. Hospital staff can provide guidance on available NHS-funded services, local authority support, or private care providers.
How to Arrange Private Home Care
If you do not qualify for free care, private home care may be an option. Many local organisations, including Age UK, offer ‘home from hospital’ support, either free or on a paid basis. Hospital staff should be able to provide details of local services in your area.
Additional Support and Resources
For further guidance, you can access:
- Age UK’s advice line: 0800 678 1602 (open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year).
- Hospital discharge and recovery factsheets.
- Care needs assessment information via GOV.UK.
Final Thoughts
Recovering from a hospital stay can be challenging, but with the right care in place, you or your loved one can regain independence and confidence at home. If a care home has been suggested, intermediate care or reablement services might provide the support needed to continue recovering at home instead.
To find out how Home Instead Home Care & Live-in Care Dorchester can support you or your loved one after hospital discharge, get in touch with our team today.
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