Hospital Discharge: A practical 3 minute guide; How to Arrange Care at Home

When an relative is leaving hospital, families can suddenly find themselves needing to organise support very quickly.

Being told someone is ready for discharge does not necessarily mean they are fully recovered. It generally means they no longer need care that can only be provided in hospital. Recovery and rehabilitation may continue at home.

The key is to work out what needs to be in place before they arrive home.

1. Ask what they can actually manage

Before discharge, ask the ward team:

• Can they get in and out of bed safely?

• Can they walk to the toilet?

• Can they manage stairs?

• Can they wash and dress themselves?

• Do they need help preparing food?

• Have their mobility or memory changed?

• Will they need someone with them overnight?

If mobility has changed, ask whether they have been assessed by a physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist (OT).

An OT can look at practical things such as washing, dressing, toileting, stairs and moving around the home.

2. Check what equipment is needed

Some people need equipment before they can return home safely.

This might include:

• a walking frame

• commode

• raised toilet seat

• shower stool

• grab rails

• wheelchair

• hospital-style bed

• hoist

Ask the hospital:

“Is any equipment required for discharge, who is arranging it, and when will it arrive?”

Do not assume a family has to buy everything themselves. Some equipment and adaptations may be available following an NHS or local-authority assessment.

Useful information:
NHS – Home adaptations:
https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/care-services-equipment-and-care-homes/home-adaptations/

3. Ask about physiotherapy and rehabilitation

If your relative has lost strength after illness, surgery or a hospital stay, ask what rehabilitation is planned.

They may be referred for physiotherapy, occupational therapy, intermediate care or reablement after discharge.

Reablement is short-term support intended to help people regain independence with everyday activities. You may need to factor in additional transport ahead of time for attendance at appointments for example.

Ask:

“Has reablement or intermediate care been considered?”

NHS information:
https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/care-after-a-hospital-stay/

4. Find out when they are actually leaving

A discharge date does not always mean an exact departure time. Medication, transport, therapy assessments or equipment may still need to be organised.

Ask the ward:

• What is the estimated discharge time?

• Is hospital transport required?

• Does someone need to meet them at home?

• Will medication be ready before they leave?

5. Check the medication

Before your relative leaves, make sure someone understands:

• what medication they should now take

• whether anything has changed or stopped

• when medicines should be taken

• how repeat prescriptions will be obtained

• who to contact with questions

Keep the discharge paperwork somewhere easy to find.

6. Get the house ready

Before they arrive home, check:

• food is available

• heating is working

• the route to the toilet is clear

• rugs and trip hazards are removed

• essential items are within reach

• the bed is accessible

• any necessary equipment has arrived

If stairs are difficult, it may sometimes be practical to temporarily organise sleeping and day-to-day living on one floor.

7. Decide how much care is needed

Not everyone needs full-time care after hospital, and depending on need or circumstance, the hospital may discharge a person with discharge care. These are often short visits and may not fully cover the amount of assistance that would be ideal or desirable.

A person might need help with:

• getting up and dressed

• washing and personal care

• preparing meals

• shopping

• medication prompts

• mobility

• household tasks

• attending appointments

• companionship

Others may need longer periods of support, overnight care or live-in care, so a way to ensure that someone received the level of care they wish to receive is to arrange care privately, through AtHome Care for example

It can often be sensible to arrange more support initially and reduce it as the person recovers.

Quick hospital discharge checklist

Before leaving hospital, ask:

✓ Are they safe to return home?
✓ Have physio and OT needs been assessed?
✓ Is equipment required and has it arrived?
✓ Is medication ready?
✓ Is transport arranged?
✓ Who will be at home when they arrive?
✓ Has reablement been considered?
✓ Are follow-up appointments arranged?
✓ Who should we contact if there is a problem?
✓ Do we need additional private care?

Looking for care after hospital discharge?

How AtHome Care can help:

AtHome Care Group introduces families to self-employed carers, allowing you to speak directly with carers and choose someone whose experience, availability and personality suit your family.

You and the carer can then agree the care arrangement directly so you and your family receive the care you want and need.

Useful NHS guidance:
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/hospitals/going-into-hospital/being-discharged-from-hospital/