When your relative or friend is ready to leave hospital, home is the best place for them to recover and get moving again. Your help can ensure they’re able to leave hospital and return to a warm home and a hot cup of tea.
NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board Chief Medical Officer, Dr Chris Reid said: “We really appreciate your support in helping friends and family to come home, please respond quickly to calls from us about them leaving hospital and if you’re picking them up, please ensure they’re able to leave before 10am.”
Here are some other ways you can help:
- Make sure their home is comfortable for their return.
- Arrange help around the home.
- Arrange transport, clothes and shoes for them to leave hospital in.
- Put their heating on if needed.
- Stock up on food and any medicine they might need.
- Make sure they have keys to get in.
- Please speak to the ward team if you need any more information.
Just one week in hospital can cause a 10% decrease in muscle mass. Prolonged stays also increase a person’s risk of infections, pressure ulcers and falls, and delays in discharge can reduce the chances of older people regaining independent living.
There is a range of support available to help people get home:
One off Personal Health Budget
Some people are eligible for financial support to help pay for services to help them home. The ward staff can give information on a one-off Personal Health Budget.
The Community Gateway service
This is run by Age UK and is free to call or email. To support your discharge from hospital, trained staff can tell you about local activities, transport to the supermarket or help with shopping and food. 01872 266383 welcome@kernowgateway.org.uk
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