Preventing Hospitalisation with Home Care: Your Guide

In West Devon and East Cornwall our population is ageing at a faster rate than other parts of the country as people move out of cities into rural and coastal locations. As the population ages, hospitals face increasing pressure from the rising admission rates with insufficient beds to support them. Preventing hospitalisation through effective home care has become a critical focus at Home Instead. Home care is is at the heart of reducing the number of patients being admitted to hospital, easing the burden on the NHS.

An article from February this year stated that 95% of hospital beds were full which is 10% above the recommended ‘safe’ level. 12,017 beds would be required to bring the bed levels down to ‘safe’ occupancy which is 85% full. Once admitted to hospital it can be tricky to navigate the interaction between health services and social care support.

Considering a preventative a approach, ahead of crisis point, can avoid a difficult situation and stop the revolving door of repeated hospital admissions.

First Steps

1. When we visit a family for the first time we will write a comprehensive Care Plan. This document is created by our expert client team which details the type of support needed to meet the care needs of the person in question. Included within this process will be a full needs assessment, medication management, personal care requirements, personal preferences and any specialist equipment needed.
2. Once care has started, we will conduct a 24-hour review of the Care Plan, a two- week review and then every 3 months thereafter.  Additionally, the Care Plan will be updated whenever a significant change is noted in the client’s circumstances, ensuring the best possible tailored care is delivered.

Our Home Care Services

We are always developing our home care services to support the growing need for keeping people out of hospital.  These services can include PEG feeding, catheter care and monitoring of vital signs.  Access to these services reduces the need for multiple GP appointments, allowing our Care Professionals to spot signs of ill health in a client before they deteriorate and are admitted to hospital.

Preventative Care and Support

We encourage our clients to remain as independent as possible in their home and we can support them to take a walk along the seafront at Bude or to visit the ponies on Dartmoor. Light exercise accompanied by their Care Professional lifts mood and ensures all senses are stimulated.   We can also organise a trip on the Cycling Without Age trishaw to feel the wind in the hair!

Home Care and the Healthcare System

Preventing hospitalisation through effective home care is not only beneficial for the patients but also for the broader healthcare system. By focusing on comprehensive care planning, tailored home care and and preventive care, our clients can enjoy a better quality of life, within the walls they love. These strategies help create a sustainable healthcare model and reduces the strain on the NHS.

Introducing home care today, even if it’s only for a couple of hours a week, can ensure that if a decline in health does happen, the support is in place and can be increased, to keep you safe and healthy. This paves the way for a more independent future for patients and their families.

Call our friendly team on 01822 258292 or email [email protected] and discover how we can support you to stay healthy at home.