Discharge planning should begin as soon as you or your loved one is admitted to hospital. The aim is to ensure a safe return home and prevent readmission.
Discharge planning
- Discharge discussion – Hospital staff must discuss your discharge plan with you and your family and should not send you home until assessments ensure you can cope safely[1].
- Same‑day discharge – When a patient no longer needs hospital care, staff aim to discharge them the same day but must check basics: you have keys, clothes, money, transport, medications, understand your prescriptions, and have information on community support[1].
- Home‑first or discharge‑to‑assess – Under this approach, people are discharged once clinically stable and receive short‑term support at home while a longer‑term care assessment takes place[1].
- Reablement or intermediate care services provide free, short‑term help (up to six weeks) to rebuild confidence and daily living skills[1].
Arranging care
- Inform hospital staff that you will need homecare support. Ask for a referral to the hospital’s discharge coordinator or social care team.
- Homecare assessment – A social worker will assess your needs at home and recommend services such as personal care, meal preparation, medication support and equipment[1].
- Intermediate care – If you need intense therapy to regain mobility or independence, intermediate care may be offered free of charge for up to six weeks[1].
- Longer‑term arrangements – Once you have recovered, a formal needs and financial assessment will determine ongoing support[1].
Primacy Homecare offers hospital discharge services, liaising with hospital teams and providing flexible short‑term care or longer‑term packages. Our carers can help with mobility, personal care, medication and meal preparation, ensuring a smooth transition home.