Coming home from hospital

Coming home after a stay in hospital can be a real relief, but it can also feel daunting, especially if you are not quite back to your old self or you are worried about managing on your own. The reassuring thing is that you should not be sent home without the right support in place, and there is a good deal of help to get you back on your feet. Here is what to expect and where to turn.

You should be part of the plan

Before you leave, the hospital should plan your discharge with you, and with your family too if you would like them involved. You should not be discharged until there is a safe plan for you at home.

If you have any concerns, or you feel you are being sent home too soon, you can ask to speak to the ward staff or to the hospital's PALS, which stands for Patient Advice and Liaison Service. You can also ask for a discharge meeting to talk things through. It is your recovery, and your voice matters in it.

Free short-term care to help you recover

Many people are offered a period of free, short-term care after hospital, known as reablement or intermediate care. A team of carers, therapists and nurses helps you rebuild your strength and confidence and get back to doing everyday things like washing, dressing and cooking.

It is free, it is usually provided in your own home, and it lasts as long as you need it, generally up to six weeks. The hospital arranges this with the council, and in Derbyshire you can find out more through Call Derbyshire on 01629 533190.

If you will need ongoing help at home

If it turns out you need support for longer, Derbyshire County Council's adult social care team will carry out a care needs assessment to work out what would help, followed by a financial assessment to see whether you would pay towards the cost. They can also help you arrange care through their brokerage service. We have a separate guide on getting a care needs assessment.

Equipment and changes to your home

Sometimes a few simple aids make all the difference, such as grab rails, a raised toilet seat, or a frame to help you move around. After an assessment by an occupational therapist, these are often provided free of charge.

For bigger changes, such as a level-access shower or a downstairs toilet, you may be able to get a Disabled Facilities Grant through your district council to help with the cost.

Your medicines

Make sure you come home with all the medicines you need, and that you understand how and when to take them. If anything is unclear, your pharmacist is very happy to talk them through with you, and can review them to make sure everything still suits you.

Who to call if you are worried once you are home

For a health worry that is not urgent, contact your GP, or call NHS 111, which is free and open 24 hours a day. For a life-threatening emergency, always call 999. And in the first day or two after you get home, it is perfectly fine to ring the ward you left if something is concerning you.

Looking after the practical things

Recovering takes more out of you than you might expect, so please do not be shy about accepting help with shopping, meals and housework while you get your strength back, whether from family, neighbours or arranged care.

Coming home can also feel very quiet, and sometimes a little lonely, after the bustle of a ward. If some friendly company would help, that is something we at BrightLife are here for, through our befriending service, so do get in touch.

Money and benefits

A spell in hospital, or a new health condition, can change what you are entitled to. If you now need help with everyday tasks or with looking after yourself, it is worth looking into Attendance Allowance, which we cover in a separate guide, and a free benefits check can make sure nothing is missed.

One thing to be aware of: some benefits, including Attendance Allowance, can pause if you are in hospital for more than 28 days, and then start again when you come home, so it is worth letting the DWP know your dates.

If you care for someone coming home

If you are the family member who will be helping, your needs matter too. You can ask to be involved in the discharge plans, and you are entitled to a carer's assessment in your own right. Derbyshire Carers Association offers support, advice and a friendly ear for carers across the area.

Where to get help, locally and nationally

Close to home, across Chesterfield, Bolsover and North East Derbyshire:

• Call Derbyshire, on 01629 533190, for adult social care, reablement and help arranging care.
• Chesterfield Royal Hospital's PALS, for any concerns about your discharge.
• Your district council, for a Disabled Facilities Grant towards home adaptations: Chesterfield Borough Council, Bolsover District Council, or North East Derbyshire District Council.
• Derbyshire Carers Association, for support if you care for someone.

Across the country:

• NHS 111, on 111, for 24-hour health advice, and nhs.uk for information.
• Citizens Advice, for a free benefits check. For Bolsover and North East Derbyshire, call 0808 250 5702, and for the Chesterfield Borough area, find your local office at citizensadvice.org.uk.
• Carers UK, on 0808 808 7777, for advice and support for carers.
• Independent Age, on 0800 319 6789, for free advice and factsheets.