Coming home after a stay in hospital is a relief, but it can also be a worrying time. An older person may be weaker than before, less steady on their feet, or have new medication to manage. Families often have very little notice of the discharge date.
For people in Saffron Walden and the villages, hospital usually means Addenbrooke’s in Cambridge, the Princess Alexandra in Harlow or Broomfield in Chelmsford. Wherever it is, a little planning makes the return home much smoother.
Before discharge: questions to ask
- When is the planned discharge date, and how will they get home?
- What help will they need at home, and for how long?
- Is any short-term support being arranged by the hospital or council, such as reablement?
- Are there new medicines, and has anything been stopped?
- Is any equipment needed, such as a frame, raised toilet seat or perching stool?
- Who should we contact if we are worried after they are home?
Reablement and short-term support
Some people are offered a short period of free support after leaving hospital, often called reablement or intermediate care. It usually lasts up to six weeks and aims to help people regain confidence and skills. Ask the hospital discharge team whether this applies. If ongoing help is needed afterwards, the council can carry out a needs assessment, or families can arrange private care.
Getting the home ready
- Make sure the heating is on and the fridge has some easy meals and drinks.
- Move frequently used things within easy reach.
- Clear walkways and remove loose rugs.
- Consider whether a bed downstairs would help for the first few weeks.
The first few days
The first days at home are often the hardest. Tiredness, pain, new medication and a loss of confidence can all make everyday tasks difficult. This is also when the risk of falling is highest. Having someone visit regularly to help with washing, dressing, meals and medication makes a big difference.
How home care helps after hospital
Here to Care can start care quickly when we have availability, and we can provide short-term support while someone recovers, or longer-term care if needs have changed. Our carers can help with:
- Personal care: washing, dressing, getting up and going to bed.
- Medication reminders and support.
- Preparing meals and making sure drinks are taken.
- Light housework, laundry and shopping.
- Reassurance and company, which helps rebuild confidence.
We visit seven days a week, from 7am to 10pm, across Saffron Walden and the surrounding villages, and we are rated Good by the Care Quality Commission.
Plan ahead if you can
If you know a relative is likely to need support when they come home, get in touch as early as possible so we can talk through their needs before discharge. Call 01799 218190 or contact us online.
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