Intermediate care at home
Supportive intermediate care at home from dedicated Care Professionals who can help anyone recovering from illness, injury, surgery or a hospital stay to get back to full health.
What is intermediate care?
Intermediate care (otherwise known as reablement care) is a type of support that helps older people to get back on their feet and regain their independence after a time in hospital or a major health event. For example, they might be recovering from a debilitating illness, a fall, or a surgical procedure. The local council could provide intermediate care for the first six weeks after leaving hospital, but sometimes more assistance is needed.
Intermediate care often includes assistance with:
- Mobility to help them safely move around
- Personal care tasks until they can manage on their own
- Home help such as cooking and grocery shopping during recovery
- Providing companionship to avoid isolation
- Improve independence to continue with usual activities
Why is intermediate care at home helpful for older adults?
Intermediate care is designed to help improve functionality for older adults after a health setback. The goal is to create a tailored plan to help them live independently, which might mean re-learning usual activities at home to get them back to their typical daily routines.
Intermediate care at home can help to keep older adults in familiar, comfortable surroundings, create recovery goals that are relevant to their own life, enable loved ones to visit more often, and potentially reduce cost of care by remaining at home instead of a care home.
This could have positive effects on health outcomes, with research suggesting 83% of people aged 65+ receiving intermediate care after hospital remained at home 91 days later.
Do I need intermediate care?
Leaving hospital after an accident, surgery or another significant health event can feel daunting, particularly if this has affected your mobility. Those leaving hospital may need to tackle new medication routines, health monitoring, or keep track of outpatient appointments for check-ups.
If you or a loved one will be leaving the hospital soon, or you have experienced a major health issue that requires short-term care at home until you get back to full health, then intermediate care could be an ideal option.
Intermediate care can help shape your recovery to your own surroundings and personalised routine, meaning you can get back to doing the things you enjoy.
How can we help?
We've helped thousands of families to stay safe, comfortable and happy at home. Whatever situation you're facing, or whatever the question is, Home Instead is here to help.
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Home Instead have an experienced caring team that far exceeds in quality anything we experienced from other agencies at this point of service.Steve, Client
We have been relying on Home Instead for nearly five years now and they have been wonderfully helpful and flexible throughout. I don’t know what we’d do without them.Carol, Client
Knowing that mum has caring and genuine people to help take care of her gives me peace of mind and mum looks forward to seeing the Care Professionals. Thank you for making such a big difference to both of our lives.Rebecca, Client's Family
Home Instead have been looking after my father for a few years now, without them we would not be able to manage having him living in his own home. They are always bright and cheerful and Dad enjoys seeing them.Bridget, Clients Family
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How to get started arranging intermediate care
Whether you are currently in hospital or are expecting a hospital stay in the near future, intermediate care can be arranged through the NHS by the hospital discharge team to make sure you can get home safely and are not left confused about follow-up care.
For more flexibility while you recover, our Care Professionals offer another option that allows you to recover at home surrounded by family and your own belongings. We understand how disheartening it can be to lose mobility or independence as the result of an injury, illness or surgery, so intermediate care from our experienced Care Professionals can help in the interim period while you work to recover and get back to feeling like yourself again.
Why Home Instead?
After an injury, illness or hospital stay, we understand there is no better feeling than being discharged and sent home to recover in the comfort of your own home, and our friendly, dedicated Care Professionals can be there to make this transition easier. With our help, you can design the perfect package of intermediate home care to get you back to full physical health while also addressing the emotional side of losing your independence.
We are proudly rated 9.6 on Homecare.co.uk, with many of our locations also rated “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), so you can rest assured your recovery will be supported by experienced professionals.
FAQs
What is intermediate care at home?
Intermediate care at home is a short-term care solution designed to support individuals recovering from an illness, injury, or hospital stay. It aims to help people regain their independence, prevent unnecessary hospital readmissions, and provide rehabilitation in the comfort of their own home. This type of care is tailored to individual needs, ensuring a smooth recovery and transition back to daily life.
Who can benefit from intermediate care at home?
Anyone who needs extra support after a hospital discharge, or is recovering from an illness, fall, or surgery may benefit from intermediate care. It’s especially helpful for those who want to regain strength and mobility in a familiar environment. This service can also support individuals who wish to avoid hospital admission but require some professional assistance during a health challenge.
What services are included in intermediate care at home?
Intermediate care can involve a range of tailored services, including assistance with mobility exercises, medication management, personal care, wound care, meal preparation, and emotional support. Care Professionals can also work with other healthcare teams, such as physiotherapists or occupational therapists, to promote recovery and well-being.
How long does intermediate care at home last?
Intermediate care is typically a short-term arrangement, lasting up to six weeks. However, the duration can vary depending on individual recovery needs. Care plans are flexible and regularly reviewed to ensure the right level of support is provided throughout the recovery process.
Why is intermediate care at home a good option for recovery?
Recovering at home allows individuals to heal in a familiar, stress-free setting, which can boost both physical and emotional well-being. Additionally, home care reduces the risk of hospital-related complications, such as infections, while offering personalised support tailored to recovery goals. Family members also gain peace of mind knowing their loved one is receiving professional care in a comfortable environment.
Diane WIlliams , Head of Quality & Standards
Before joining Home Instead, I built a comprehensive career in the social care sector, beginning in 1991 as a frontline care worker and advancing to senior leadership roles across both private and voluntary sector businesses.
Throughout my career, I have supported diverse care groups in a variety of settings, including community, residential, nursing, and secure environments. My experience spans working with older adults, including those living with dementia; individuals with physical disabilities and complex, long-term health needs; people with learning disabilities, including autism; individuals with enduring mental health challenges; individuals with current or past substance use and those with forensic backgrounds.
In 2002, I qualified as a social worker and have since maintained my professional registration with Social Work England.