Site guide
Coming out of hospital
If the person you care for is in hospital:Ask the hospital staff for help with a care plan
A care plan involving any support services, help from relatives and friends, social services, GP and other health professionals should be in place, ready for when the patient comes home. This should be planned by the hospital, patient and you, as a carer, in plenty of time before the patient leaves. Clearly, however, this may not always happen. However, it is never too late to get help to start putting together a care plan. It may be worth remembering that any plan you agree to is not set in stone. You can always make changes if the need arises.
Hospital Discharge Scheme
Some hospitals operate a Discharge Scheme that provides a home care service for a number of weeks for people requiring intensive support in order to be discharged from hospital. Contact your local hospital to see if they run this scheme.
Intensive Care at Home Service
This service provides an alternative to hospital care for a specific group of patients (aged 18 yrs or over) who require acute convalescence or medical care in their own domestic environment. The patient must have a definite diagnosis, be medically stable and be in agreement to have this service provided. The service is provided for a maximum of 14 days and is only available where the GP is able to provide the medical care required. The service is accessed via the person's GP, District Nurse, Physiotherapist, Social Worker, Occupational Therapist (OT) or A&E department.
NHS Continuing Healthcare and NHS-funded nursing care
NHS Continuing Healthcare is a package of services arranged and funded by the NHS for people outside hospital with ongoing health needs. People can get continuing healthcare in any setting, including their own home or in a care home. For more details or a copy of the leaflet contact the DH Publications Orderline on 0300 123 1002 and quote 284074/NHS
You can get more information from:
Age UK - Read Age UK's item on Hospital Discharge arrangements at www.ageuk.org.uk
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