Supporting a Safe and Person-Centred Hospital Discharge for People Living with Dementia
Various discharge pathways for someone with dementia and how Home Instead Taunton support them at home and in the community.
At any given moment, one in four* hospital beds in the UK is occupied by someone living with dementia. While hospitalisation may be necessary to treat a physical illness or injury, for people with dementia it can also lead to distress, confusion, and even delirium. These experiences not only impact a person’s immediate wellbeing but can also contribute to longer hospital stays, delays in discharge, and a decline in functional independence.
The Challenge of Leaving Hospital
For individuals living with dementia, being discharged from hospital is rarely straightforward. Unlike others who may be able to return home and resume normal routines, people with dementia often face additional challenges that must be considered for a safe and smooth transition.
Hospital admission can result in cognitive and physical decline, making it difficult for someone to return to their previous living arrangement without extra support. They may need:
- Help at home with everyday tasks such as washing, dressing, or meal preparation
- Home adaptations, like stair-lifts or grab rails
- Access to assistive technology to support memory, safety, and orientation
- In some cases, a move to a care home or rehabilitation facility
A well-designed, dementia-friendly living space plays a vital role in recovery. Good design and assistive technology can reduce stress, increase safety, and support people to live independently for longer — often reducing the chance of readmission or the need for permanent residential care.
Types of Hospital Discharge for People with Dementia
Discharges can vary widely depending on the individual’s health and social care needs. The main categories include:
- No Extra Support – For those well enough to return home without additional help. If previous care services had lapsed during the hospital stay, they may need to be restarted.
- Time-Limited Support – For individuals needing short-term support to regain independence. This might include temporary home care or community-based services including dementia care at home.
- High-Level Ongoing Care – For those with intensive needs, hospital teams may arrange a transition to a care home, community hospital, or rehabilitation unit. Our live-in care for dementia is an alternative option for those who need long terms high level care.
- Complex Discharges – For people who cannot return to their previous living arrangements and require long-term care planning. This often involves multiple agencies and professionals to coordinate a suitable, sustainable living environment.
Somerset’s Commitment to Change
Recognising the unique challenges faced by people with dementia during hospital discharge, Somerset has taken action.
On Tuesday 17 June, the ‘Connecting Health Communities’ (CHC) event in Bridgwater brought together health and social care professionals, voluntary sector organisations, and people with lived experience. The goal: to improve outcomes for people with dementia as they transition out of hospital.
This collaborative event was part of a 30-month programme delivered by the Institute for Voluntary Action Research (IVAR), aimed at strengthening community health outcomes. The CHC steering group, guided by the voices of patients, families, and frontline workers, includes key partners such as:
- Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
- Somerset Integrated Care Board
- Community Council for Somerset
- Spark Somerset
- SASP (Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership)
- The Filo Project
- The Alzheimer’s Society
- Care providers
Together, they are working to ensure that hospital discharge isn’t just the end of a hospital stay — it’s the start of a supported journey home.
How Home Instead Taunton and West Somerset Supports Hospital Discharge
At Home Instead, we understand the challenges that come with returning home after a hospital stay — especially for those living with dementia. That’s why we work collaboratively with the hospital team, discharge coordinators, your GP, and local community partners such as Village Agents to create a personalised care plan that’s tailored to your individual needs.
Our commitment doesn’t stop at care delivery. Every Home Instead Care Professional receives City & Guilds accredited dementia training, equipping them with the skills and compassion needed to provide meaningful, safe, and effective support at home.
Whether someone needs help with:
- Re-establishing a daily routine
- Personal care and mobility
- Meal preparation and medication reminders
- Cognitive stimulation and companionship
- Adapting their environment to feel safe and familiar
…Home Instead can be a key partner in recovery and long-term wellbeing.
Putting People First
Ultimately, hospital discharge for someone with dementia should never be rushed or one-size-fits-all. It’s a critical moment that requires careful planning, person-centred support, and close collaboration between health services, community organisations, families, and care providers like Home Instead.
By placing the needs and preferences of the individual at the heart of every decision, we can ensure they are not just discharged — but truly supported, respected, and empowered to live well in the place they call home.
- * https://www.nice.org.uk/about/what-we-do/into-practice/measuring-the-use-of-nice-guidance/impact-of-our-guidance/niceimpact-dementia/ch3-hospital-care
Areas We Serve
Taunton, Bridgwater, Monkton Heathfield, Pitminster and the surrounding areas
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Comeytrowe Centre, Home Instead The, Pitts Cl, Taunton TA1 4TY, UK