How to Arrange Home Care After a Hospital Discharge
Coming home from hospital is a big step. It can also feel stressful to organise everything at short notice. The good news is that with the right plan, you can make the transition smooth, safe, and focused on recovery. This guide walks you through what to do before discharge, on the day itself, and in the first week at home.
Before Discharge
Start planning as early as you can. Ask the ward team for a discharge plan and a named contact.
- Ask for an estimated discharge date so you can line up support in time
- Request input from the multidisciplinary team such as OT, physio, and speech and language if needed
- Arrange a care and support needs assessment via the hospital or your local authority
- Clarify the medication plan, including new prescriptions, dosages, and possible side effects
- Check what equipment is required at home such as a hospital bed, commode, rails, or walking aids
- Confirm transport arrangements and whether an escort is advisable
Choosing the Right Support at Home
Think about what help is needed and when.
- Personal care such as washing, dressing, continence support
- Mobility support including transfers, use of aids, and falls prevention
- Medication prompts and administration where appropriate
- Meal preparation, hydration, and nutrition monitoring
- Night support or live in care if the person is unsettled or at risk overnight
- Companionship and reassurance to reduce anxiety and build confidence
Funding and Short Term Options
There are several routes to arrange care after a hospital stay.
- Reablement or intermediate care may be available for a short period, often up to 6 weeks, to support recovery at home
- Local authority assessment can determine eligibility for funded care and set out a support plan
- Direct Payments allow families to choose and manage a care provider directly
- Private care can be started quickly and tailored to changing needs
On the Day of Discharge
Create a simple checklist and keep it handy.
- All medications dispensed with clear instructions and a MAR chart if care staff will support medication
- Dressings, continence products, and equipment delivered or fitted
- Care rota confirmed with names and times for the first 7 days
- Emergency contacts noted such as GP, district nurse, and out of hours numbers
- Food in the house and a hydration plan for the first 48 hours
The First Week at Home
The first few days set the tone for recovery. Small adjustments make a big difference.
- Review the care plan after 48 to 72 hours to check what is working
- Monitor pain, sleep, nutrition, and hydration and share changes with professionals
- Keep pathways clear, add extra lighting, and reduce trip hazards to prevent falls
- Encourage gentle activity agreed with the physio to rebuild strength safely
How Edan Support Helps
At Edan Support we specialise in safe, compassionate step down care from hospital to home. Our approach is person centred and trauma informed. It is shaped by lived experience, which means we understand how vulnerable this moment can feel and how important it is to be treated with dignity and patience.
- Rapid start of care with flexible visit times or live in cover
- A personalised plan focused on safety, confidence, and independence
- Medication support, wound care prompts, and liaison with community nurses
- Mobility and transfer support, plus practical help with meals and hydration
- Night sits for reassurance and risk reduction when needed
- Regular reviews so the level of care steps down as recovery improves
Ready When You Are
If you are planning a discharge or things feel rushed, we can help you create a calm, structured plan and begin support quickly. Our team will work with the hospital, the GP, and your family to keep everyone informed and confident.
- Call Edan Support to discuss your discharge plan and start building a safe return home.