When a loved one is being discharged from the hospital into a care home, it can be a stressful and emotional time. The process involves many decisions and practical steps but with the right information, you can help your loved one make the transition as smooth as possible. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect and how to manage the process of a hospital discharge to care home settings.

 

Why is My Loved One Being Discharged from Hospital into Care Home Support?

When your loved one is discharged from a hospital into a care home, it often means that they no longer require intensive hospital care but still need ongoing support. A medical team would have agreed that this ongoing support is best provided in a care home setting. Some reasons for this transition could include:

• Ongoing medical needs - Your loved one may need continuous medical support that can’t be provided at home, such as wound care, medication management or assistance with daily activities.
• Recovery and rehabilitation - Care after hospital discharge may include extra time to recover or rehabilitate. A care home can provide the appropriate environment for this extended care.
• Long-term care needs - For individuals with progressive illnesses or conditions that require long-term care, such as dementia, a specialist care home offering the right services is needed. They will provide the necessary long-term support, supervision and medical care that family members may not be able to offer at home.

No matter the reason for the discharge, the team of professionals involved in your loved one’s care will create a hospital discharge plan to ensure they get the right type of aftercare.

 

What is a Discharge Care Plan?

A hospital discharge care plan is a personalised plan created to ensure that your loved one receives the appropriate care after leaving hospital. The plan is developed by the hospital’s discharge team, which typically consists of doctors, nurses, social workers and sometimes occupational therapists. As well as the professional's input, it’s important for families to be involved in the process to make sure all aspects of their loved one's care are addressed. The hospital discharge plan will outline the following:

• Care needs assessment - This is an evaluation of your loved one’s health and care needs, including physical, emotional and social needs.
• Care home selection - The discharge plan will include recommendations for the type of care home that best suits your loved one’s needs, whether it’s a residential care home, a nursing home or a specialist care facility.
• Additional support services - The plan will detail information about ongoing support services, such as physical therapy, mental health support or social activities that will be available in the care home.

 

Who Pays for a Care Home on Discharge from Hospital? 

Paying for care home support after a hospital discharge can be complex and depends on several factors:

NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

If your loved one has significant ongoing healthcare needs, they may qualify for NHS Continuing Healthcare, which covers the full cost of care in a care home.

Local Authority Funding

If your loved one doesn’t qualify for CHC but still needs care, they might be eligible for local authority funding which is means-tested. This means your loved one’s income and assets will be assessed to determine how much they will need to contribute towards their care costs.

Self-Funding 

If your loved one has savings or assets above a certain threshold, they may need to pay for their care home fees themselves. It’s important to explore all the funding options available to ensure they receive the support they’re entitled to.

 

Is the First 6 Weeks In a Care Home Free?

In some cases, if your loved one’s care is arranged by a local authority, the first six weeks of care in a care home may be free. This comes under a scheme known as “intermediate care”. The funding is usually offered to people who are transitioning from hospital care and need additional time to recover before a long-term decision is made. 

During those six weeks, the care needs are closely monitored and assessed to determine if your loved one requires long-term care in a care home. The assessment will also determine the type of care home that would be most suitable. During this assessment period, the care home costs are covered by the NHS or local authority, depending on your loved one’s needs and circumstances.

It is important to note that 6 weeks free care after hospital is not available in all cases and eligibility depends on specific criteria. This is why it is crucial to discuss this option with the hospital discharge team or your local authority.

 

Arranging Care After Hospital Discharge

Ideally, you can choose which care home you go to after leaving hospital. However, sometimes the hospital will choose a care home for you based on what’s available in your area. 

Sorting out care after hospital discharge involves some practical steps to ensure your loved one’s transition into a care home is smooth.

• Coordinating with the care home - Once a care home is selected, make sure they are prepared to receive your loved one. This includes transferring medical records, care plans if they have any, and any special instructions regarding their care. You may be asked to provide information about your loved one that can be added to care plans.
• Packing and preparing - Prepare a checklist of essential items, such as clothing, toiletries, personal belongings, and any necessary medical equipment, to bring to the care home.
• Transportation arrangements -  In some cases, transportation from the hospital to the care home can be arranged. If your loved one requires special medical transport, the hospital can help organise this.
• Monitoring the transition - After the move, stay involved by regularly communicating with care home staff to monitor your loved one’s progress and address any concerns that arise during the adjustment period.

 

Discharging a loved one from the hospital into a care home is a significant step that requires careful planning and coordination. By understanding the reasons for the discharge, what the care plan entails, who pays for care, and what to expect in the first few weeks, you can help ensure your loved one receives the best possible support.

Select Healthcare homes provide after-hospital care for the elderly as well as those needing rehabilitation or respite care. For more information about arranging care after hospital discharge, you can browse our range of services, contact our team online or call us on 01384 217900.

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