If your loved one is due to be released from hospital, you may be wondering what follow-up care after hospital discharge involves. It’s important to make sure that the right support is in place after discharge from hospital, not only so that the transition from hospital to full-time care is as smooth as possible, but to also ensure that the chances of hospital readmission are reduced.

So, what are the steps that need to be taken for care after hospital discharge? If your loved one is worried about having to go into a care home, there are other options you can consider before reaching this decision. From assessment to hospital discharge care plans, find out everything you need to know below.

How can I arrange care after a hospital stay ?

If you believe that your elderly loved one needs care and support following discharge from hospital, you can talk to us to decide the specific requirements that are needed. Our Care Partnership can talk to you over the phone, where you may take into consideration:

• Care needs
• Mobility
• Physical difficulties experiences (including any risks)
• Your needs and wishes
• What you would like your live in carer to be like after a hospital discharge

Once you have established you care requirements, any support, services or home adaptations will need to be put in place before they’re sent home. If they are deemed to have eligible care needs, your relative will also receive a financial assessment to see if they’re entitled to financial support. After a care assessment has taken place, you should be provided with a written copy showing the help that will be required following discharge from hospital.

Hospital discharge care plans

At IP Homecare, we offer hospital dischargs with a focus on helping your loved one to regain full fitness levels wherever possible. Our highly vetted and trained live-in carers ensure that those they care for have an ongoing programme informed by physiotherapy in order to maintain functional ability, or to help slow physical deterioration.

If you are looking to integrate clinical services with elderly care after hospital, then your live in carer can work closely with other health care professionals to offer the best chance of recovering in the comfort of their own home. Our elderly care packages focus on areas such as mobility – not only enabling your loved ones to regain independence, but to also reduce the risk of falls.

Live-in care after a hospital discharge

Many elderly people live independent lives, but a hospital stay may mean they become dependent on others for practical and personal care. It’s common for older people to move into sheltered accommodation or a care home following discharge from hospital, but there is an alternative option for those who feel that this isn’t the right direction for them.

The impact of losing the ability to live independently can be upsetting, especially if life suddenly involves rehabilitation, more medication, visits from health care professionals and feeling unable to pursue the activities they were able to before. As such, older people may begin to experience feelings of disempowerment, loneliness and depression.

In these situations, elderly people need someone on-hand to guide them through this change in lifestyle and provide the reassurance they need. A live-in carer is someone trained to provide professional care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether it’s medication management, personal care or preparing meals, you’ll always have someone there to attend to your needs.

To find out more about home care after hospital discharge, contact our team of friendly experts today. We can help you to find out more about your care options, or to arrange a free care assessment.