Planning beforehand
You may know you are going into hospital or you may be admitted as an emergency. In either case, you should start thinking about what will happen when you leave.
If you do not yet know your discharge date, ask the health staff if they can tell you an estimated discharge date.
Important things for you and your family to consider and arrange before your discharge date:
- Will you have a key or will there be someone at home to let you in?
- Will you have clothes to go home in - shoes and a coat?
- Will there be food in the house?
- Will the house be warm enough?
- Who will be taking you home?
- Have you any close friends, relatives or neighbours who can help you if needed?
Short term recovery and assessment services
You may be medically fit to be discharged from hospital but need some extra support for a short while. If the hospital discharge team feel this is the case, they may ask the hospital social work team to speak with you to assess your needs, with your consent. You may be offered a short term service to support you. (Portsmouth and Southampton residents may be offered different services).
If you have someone who helps to look after you, their views, with your permission, will also be considered. They will also have the opportunity to have their own needs assessed through a carer’s assessment.
Who decides what care you get - health or social care?
See our information on health and social care roles.
Before you leave hospital
Make sure that you:
- collect your discharge letter for your GP
- arrange your follow-up appointment, if you need one
- know how to use any equipment which you are sent home with
- ensure you have your medication
- get a copy of your care plan (if applicable)
- ask for any medical certificates you may need.
Returning home
You may feel that you are fine to return home but if you get home and find that you are having difficulty coping with tasks around the house or with getting out, you can find a lot of information which can help you in the Managing at home, Equipment and adaptations and Getting out and about information sections.
If you need further help and advice, contact your Adult Social Care department.
Further information:
- Information about care after being in hospital from Age UK
- Information about caring for someone coming out of hospital from Carers UK.