Coming home after a hospital stay can be unsettling for anybody, especially if you are feeling vulnerable after your treatment. Regaining strength and managing daily tasks often requires extra support. Valleywood Care understands that the uncertainties of returning home can be daunting, particularly if you are over the age of 70 or have an underlying health condition. But with your safety at the fore, we’re here to help you in any way you need after you’ve been discharged from hospital and beyond. We provide compassionate and reliable home care services designed to help seniors recover comfortably and safely in their homes following a hospital discharge.

The benefits of home care cannot be understated. In fact, according to one study, “home care decreases costs, improves health outcomes, and reduces hospital stays”. Our loved ones have the chance to recuperate in familiar surroundings, aiding in the recovery process and rehabilitation.

You don’t need to feel that you’re muddling through the process on your own. Please get in touch with us if you need support. We offer a free consultation to discuss your specific needs and how our home care services can ensure a smooth recovery in the comfort of your own home.

After Hospital Care for the elderly

Home care can be a lifeline for those being discharged from hospital. Patients often report a loss of confidence when they can’t continue with everyday life as before; many report a lack of energy and motivation. Where quality of life and practical independence begin to suffer, there’s a risk of slipping into a vicious circle of despondency without the proper support. 

Home-based care is an important “wrap-around” service that compliments and supports the ongoing healthcare services provided by the NHS or district care teams and family members.

What care you’ll receive

After a hospital stay, transitioning back home can be a delicate time for elderly patients. Our Crewe-based home care service specialises in supporting seniors during this crucial period. From medication management and personal care to nutritional support, our tailored services are designed to promote a smooth and safe recovery. 

Whether you need regular visits to help with showers and dressing,  household chores or 24-hour care support, we’re here to help you after you’ve been discharged from the hospital. Care can also include a more emotional form of support, such as listening to concerns and signposting any additional help. Tailored home care services make daily life easier, providing a sense of confidence and independence.

Our team of dedicated caregivers works closely with healthcare providers to align with ongoing treatment plans, helping to enhance recovery, maintain independence, and improve overall well-being. Trust us to provide the respectful and professional care your loved ones deserve to thrive at home. We will be on hand to monitor recovery and report back to healthcare providers and family members on a regular basis.

Our Services

Our care professionals are specially trained to keep everything as calm and focused as possible for clients following treatment. They provide a wide range of support, including:

• Coordinating a medication regime
• Helping with medication administering
• Mobility support getting back on your feet, around the house and into and out of bed safely
• Helping clients follow nutritional advice – preparing meals and snacks at the times that suit you

• Personal care, discreetly and sensitively helping with routines such as toileting, dressing and washing
• Suggesting mobility aids and home adjustments to help with recovery
• Providing companionship whilst you might be unable to get out much

Why Choose Us

Valleywood Care is a family business providing high-quality home care to families in Crewe and the surrounding area for over 15 years. Helping people live independently in their home is at the heart of our service. Our clients can achieve improved health and well-being while their families have the peace of mind of knowing their loved ones are receiving the best support and care available.

We are fully regulated, so our care and support are regularly inspected. We have achieved a “good” rating in all five measures – safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. 

EXPERIENCED AND TRAINED STAFF

PERSONALISED CARE PLANS

FLEXIBLE SERVICES

COMMITMENT TO DIGNITY AND RESPECT

HIGH-QUALITY STANDARDS

How to arrange for post-hospital care

If you or a loved one goes into the hospital, care and support should be arranged before you leave. The leaving process is widely referred to as hospital discharge. Each hospital will have its own discharge policy, which you can request as soon as you can after arrival so you can start planning post-hospital care. Your discharge or transfer date will depend on how quickly your health improves and the support you need after you return home.

Discharge planning is the process where the hospital team considers what support might be required by the patient in the community. Most hospitals have a dedicated hospital discharge planner whose responsibility is to ensure a smooth transition from hospital to home, ensuring the right ongoing care package is in place.  This ongoing care comes in many forms, like working with an occupational therapist, receiving daily support from carers or having regular visits from district nurses. Valleywood Care will work closely with the discharge team at the hospital and other healthcare professionals involved in your care to ensure everything is in place for you when you leave.

A discharge should only take place when all of the following have been covered:

• A senior medical staff member has determined you are “medically cleared.”
• You have received a written care plan that details the support you will receive to meet your needs.
• You have completed an assessment to determine the support needed for a safe discharge.
• It has been confirmed that it is safe for you to be discharged, and the care plan is in place.

Discharge planning is essential as it organises home care after a hospital stay, which is crucial for recovery. Proper care at home can significantly reduce the need to return to the hospital. The carer ensures that medications are taken correctly and on time. They also help with everyday activities, reducing risks like falls. Moreover, the carer provides all-around support, whether it’s emotional, medical, or physical, allowing the patient to recover more effectively.

How to prepare for leaving hospital

Planning your home care is an essential step before getting home after a hospital stay.  Valleywood Care can help make a proper plan that brings together the advice of the health care professionals, coordinates with community-based care providers and recognises the important role of family. 

The types of available support will depend on the assessed needs:

• Reablement – also called intermediate or aftercare, is a focused, time-limited (typically six weeks) care package to get you back on your feet.
• NHS continuing healthcare.
• Supporting aids such as specialist beds, rails, ramps or wheelchairs
• Voluntary organisations such as the Stroke Association and  Age UK provide support.
• Private care may be an option if you’re not eligible for local authority help.

Hospital discharge checklist

As part of the hospital discharge care plan, the discharge coordinator must ensure that the patient is fully prepared on the day of their release by checking:

• You have a copy of the care plan
• Your general practitioner (GP) will be notified in writing and will also receive a discharge summary at a later date.
• You have received training on how to use any necessary equipment, aids, or adaptations.
• You have any take-home medication
• Transportation, such as a taxi, has been arranged to take you home.
• You have appropriate clothing to wear, as well as money and keys to access your home.

Valleywood Care understands that each patient’s road to recovery is unique.  We’re here to make your transition smooth and ensure a successful return to your daily routine. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact us today.