What to consider when planning your discharge from hospital?

Planning your own or a loved one’s discharge from hospital is essential to help facilitate a speedier recovery at home. Continuing recovery in the comfort of your own home, instead of going into respite care, also reduces the risk of a further admission to hospital, helping to prevent the risk of infections and falls

It is important when considering your discharge home to understand the type of care you will require to help support your recovery. Here The Good Care Group outline the types of care a live-in carer could provide, and areas you will need to discuss and explore with your chosen care provider prior to returning home.

Will you require help managing your health needs? 

Professional care provision can consist of assisting in administering and managing your medication, monitoring your blood pressure and blood sugars, catheter care and working closely with your district nursing team, if required. It is safer to have a trained and experienced carer, due to the nature of the tasks involved.

Will you require personal care around the home?

You will require personal care around the home if you require assistance with any of the following; washing, bathing or showering, grooming, dressing and undressing, assisted access to chiropody and/or podiatry, and access to occupational therapy assistance, to help you manage your mobility risks. You may have a loved one who can help you with some of these personal activities, but it is important to discuss the level of support you will need and the time that will require from your loved one.

Will you require emotional support?

When you return home from hospital, will you be alone? Recovering home alone can be an isolating experience. Could you benefit from some companionship during this period? A live-in carer can help assist you to attend your regular clubs and groups, help you communicate with friends and family, arrange visits, introduce you to ways of communicating via technology and provide you with advice regarding your condition and ways to improve your wellbeing. Whether you require companionship for as little as 14 days or longer ongoing care, live-in carers are expertly matched to your likes, dislikes and interests, increasing the possibility of a strong friendship and bond.

Will you require help with everyday tasks?

Have you considered how you will maintain your home and complete the weekly shop during your recovery? A live-in carer can perform all these daily tasks for you, and even show you how to manage your food shopping in future using online shopping. Having a live-in carer perform these daily tasks gives you more time to rest and rehabilitate. Live-in carers can support with anything from housekeeping, shopping and cooking, assisting you to a doctor or hospital appointment, and even caring for your pet, including walking the dog. A live-in carer will ensure your home continues to be maintained to the high standard you are accustomed to, and enables you to continue to live comfortably within your own surroundings.

If you are planning your hospital discharge or the discharge of a loved one and require support during this time of recovery, a live-in carer could be the right choice for you. Enabling you to stay within the comfort of your own home during this time, a live-in carer can provide you a personalised, caring and supportive service, whilst also becoming a much cared for friend. As we say at The Good Care Group – There’s nowhere better than home