Glenfield Hospital Discharge Support Guide

Discover how a home care provider like Home Instead can offer non-medical support and how to access additional help and resources.

Leaving the hospital after a stay can be overwhelming, especially for older adults who require ongoing support. In this guide, we cover preparing for discharge, managing medication and medical devices, and organising transport. At this time, it’s important to ensure that you have the necessary support and care to continue your recovery at home.

Preparing for Discharge

Before leaving, the hospital staff will give you a discharge plan. This plan will outline any medications you need to take, any medical devices you need to use, and any follow-up appointments you need to attend. Here are some tips to help you prepare for discharge:

• Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask the hospital staff any questions about your discharge plan. It’s important to understand what you must do to care for yourself at home.
• Get organised: Ensure you have everything you need before leaving the hospital. This may include medications, medical devices, and any paperwork you need for follow-up appointments.
• Assessing Your Ongoing Support Needs

After you have been discharged, you may require ongoing support to help you transition back to your daily life. Here are some steps you can take to assess your ongoing support needs:

• Contact your local council: Your local council may provide services such as home care, meals on wheels, and transport services. Contact your local council to find out what services are available in your area.
• Consider a home care provider: A home care provider, like Home Instead, can provide non-medical support such as Live-in Care companionship, personal care, Home help, and medication support.

Managing Medication and Medical Devices

Managing medication and medical devices can be overwhelming, especially after a hospital stay. Here are some steps you can take to manage your medications and medical devices:

• Follow the instructions: Ensure you understand how to take your medications and use your medical devices. If you have any questions, contact your GP or pharmacist.
• Set reminders: Use a pillbox or smartphone app to set reminders for when to take your medications.
• Check your supplies: Ensure you have enough medications and supplies to last until your next appointment.

Organising Transport

Transportation can be a challenge after leaving the hospital. Here are some steps you can take to organise transport:

• Ask friends and family: Speak to friends and family about picking you up from the hospital and either driving you home or going on public transport.
• Consider a taxi or private hire vehicle: A taxi or private hire vehicle can be a convenient option if you need to travel to your appointments.

Returning Home

Returning home after a hospital stay can be difficult, especially if you have mobility issues or require additional support. Here are some steps you can take to make the transition easier:

• Ask for help: Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family members, friends, or a home care provider.
• Food and drink: If you cannot ask a friend or relative to stay or visit regularly, ensure you’ve got enough food, drink, and other essentials at home.

Feedback and Complaints

If you have feedback or a complaint, the first step is to speak to the staff member involved in your care. They will try to address your concerns and provide a resolution.

If you’re dissatisfied with the response you receive or feel uncomfortable discussing your feedback or complaint with the staff member involved, you can speak to Glenfield’spatient advice and liaison service (PALS). They provide free, confidential advice and support to patients, their families, and carers.

If you’re still not satisfied with the response you receive, you can make a formal complaint to the hospital directly.

If you would like to find out more about how home care services can support you or a loved one after hospital discharge in Glenfield area, don’t hesitate to contact us at Home Instead.