Care for when you leave hospital

It’s important that you don’t stay in hospital, especially if confined to a bed, for any longer than is necessary. Statistics show that muscle loss progresses at the rate of 5% per day. Consequently, this makes recuperation much harder.

Make sure you’re involved in all of the discussions. It’s so important that you are happy with the recommendations that are being made. With that in mind, it might be a good idea to have a family member or friend with you when that ‘next steps’ discussion takes place.

1.    What happens next?

There are several possible options, depending on your health and fitness:

• You may be able to go straight home and continue looking after yourself.
• You may be able to go home with the support of a partner or relative.
• You might need respite care/convalescence in a residential setting, before returning home. Most care homes provide respite support as well as permanent care.
• You may need long-term residential care in a care home.

2.    Care Assessment

The hospital has a legal obligation to assess your care needs. You can read the NHS guide on getting a needs assessment here. This will directly influence where you go next, and the support that should be arranged.

3.    The Discharge Team

Once the Medical Team is satisfied that you are fit to leave, the hospital Discharge Team can support you in finding the most appropriate solution.

4.    Ongoing Care

The Discharge Team is responsible for sourcing and/or organising ongoing support. This could be arranging an initial home care package, or NHS funded Continuing Healthcare. Alternatively, they might liaise with suitable residential care homes to find a room for you (for short or long-term stay).

If you are funding your own care and would like to discuss your options with an independent and impartial senior care expert, call the Autumna advice line team on 01892 335 330 who will be happy to help.

5.    Paying for care

If your assets exceed the means test figures (£23,250 in England and N. Ireland, £28,000 in Scotland and £50,000 in Wales) you will have to fund your ongoing care (unless you’re receiving NHS Continuing Healthcare). If this is the case, it’s even more important that you are actively involved in all of the decisions that are being made.

Learn more about funding care