Understanding Hospital Discharge Care and Convalescent Care

Safehands offers a diverse range of hospital discharge care and convalescent care options available at short notice. Our hospital discharge care services are flexible and can often include short-term respite care, assisting clients with rehabilitation and recovery until they are capable of managing with a less intensive home care service or independently.

What does hospital to home care entail?

Hospital discharge care, also known as care after hospital discharge or convalescent care, focuses on providing necessary support for older individuals transitioning home following a hospital stay due to illness. Typically, discharge from the hospital is contingent upon ensuring that the elderly individual can return home safely, accompanied by the appropriate discharge plan from the hospital to home or care facility, and we are here to facilitate that process.

It is crucial for individuals with cognitive impairments, such as dementia, to return home promptly to prevent unfamiliar surroundings from exacerbating confusion or disorientation.

Individuals utilizing hospital to home care services typically include:

• Those who have been admitted to the hospital and require post-discharge assistance.
• Current hospital in-patients aiming to return home as expediently as possible.
• Persons who have recently been hospitalized and are now at home but require further support.
• Individuals needing practical assistance or guidance on transitioning home after discharge.

No matter your requirements, we are committed to providing a highly personalized care service designed to meet your specific needs.

How does hospital-to-home care function?

We are equipped to facilitate hospital discharge at short notice, whether in an emergency or following a planned hospital stay for significant surgeries such as hip replacements. Our home care management team collaborates closely with you, your family, and other healthcare professionals to ensure a safe and timely transition back to the comfort and familiarity of your home. This collaboration may include coordination with the Discharge Team, occupational therapists, and social services.

We offer complimentary assessments of your needs during your hospital stay and/or after returning home, which will inform how we can best support you.

Our skilled home caregivers work alongside occupational therapists, District Nurses, physiotherapists, and other healthcare professionals to facilitate healing, recovery, and rehabilitation.

Our home carers provide assistance with all aspects of daily living, including domestic help, companionship, medication management, personal care, and specialized care for complex conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, or stroke recovery.

If you require assistance with hospital discharge, whether for immediate or future needs, please do not hesitate to contact us today.

Why consider private home care following hospital discharge?

Regardless of the reason for your loved one’s hospitalization, the experience often involves prolonged periods of inactivity, resulting in feelings of weakness and reduced independence. While certain NHS community services are available upon discharge, they can be limited and primarily geared toward individuals expected to recover swiftly.

We understand the importance of making this transition as seamless and stress-free as possible. Upon hospital discharge, we assist in connecting individuals with qualified caregivers. Our hospital discharge introduction service is tailored to your unique needs, drawing upon extensive experience in delivering specialized, professional care.

The hospital discharge process:

Available support options:

The level of assistance you require following hospital discharge will depend on your specific needs and preferences; however, the hospital staff may collaborate with you to develop a hospital discharge care plan that may include:

• Care and support from a private provider, which you would pay for in your own home or a care home—if local authority assistance is not available to you, this is likely your primary option.
• NHS continuing healthcare, which is NHS-funded care for individuals with a “primary health need.”
• Local authority community care services, such as reablement services, which require an assessment if it appears that you may require them.
• Equipment—such as wheelchairs, specialized beds, or daily living aids and modifications.
• Intermediate care involving free short-term support for patients who no longer require hospitalization but may need additional help to recuperate. This can be offered in-home or in a residential setting for up to six weeks.
• Nursing care provided by qualified personnel, and funded by the NHS, is only available if you are in a care home.
• Additional NHS services, including rehabilitation and palliative care, are also accessible.

Guidelines for a safe hospital discharge:

Research and comprehend your options promptly:

If your goal is to return home, your discharge team will assist you in understanding the steps involved.

Communicate effectively with your chosen care provider:

Ensure you provide them with ample notice and detailed information to facilitate a safe discharge and recovery process.

Obtain an updated medication list:

Changes may have occurred during your hospital stay. It is imperative that you have the correct medications upon discharge and that your pharmacy, GP, and/or care team are aware of your ongoing prescription needs.

Home aids and equipment:

You may have received these during your stay; they must be available and installed, with training on their use provided by your care team.

Understand your physical limitations:

Be aware of which daily activities your discharge team recommends you engage in, and what may be deemed ‘high risk’ or ‘unsafe.’

Plan for your discharge day:

This includes determining your transportation home and whether you’ll need hospital transport. Also, consider your attire and how you’ll access your home (e.g., do you have keys?).

Arrange for expert home care in three straightforward steps:

Planning for senior care post-hospital discharge need not be complicated. You can organize home care today in three simple steps:

Contact our dedicated customer service representatives:

Reach out to our customer service team immediately, or send us an email so we can respond at your convenience.

Consult with a professional:

A local care manager will meet with you and your loved one at the hospital, home, or another suitable location to discuss your care requirements and the type of live-in caregiver necessary.

Select the most suitable caregiver:

We will identify a selection of live-in caregivers who we believe will best meet your needs.