Help after leaving hospital

If you have been discharged from hospital following an illness or operation, you might need practical help with getting in and out of bed, washing and dressing, or the provision of a hot meal.

If you have been admitted to a ward and you, the staff, or anyone who supports you at home feels that you may have difficulty managing at home without some help, ward staff can ask a Social Worker based at the hospital to assess you before you are discharged.

The Hospital Social Work Service 

After the assessment we will identify and agree your needs with you and discuss the help and support available to meet them, according to the seriousness of your situation.

If appropriate, we may arrange services to support you when you return home such as reablement or a care package; this will depend upon your needs and eligibility.  If you need pieces of minor equipment to help you to manage when you return home, we can help to arrange for these items to be delivered or fitted in your home. These services will help to maintain your independence and quality of life.

I need help with living at home

If you don't qualify for a care package from Adult Social Care you could arrange to employ a care worker privately through a Home Care Agency but remember to take care to choose one that is registered and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Follow the link below for more information or visit the CQC website.

List of registered care agencies

Age Concern's Hospital Information and Support Service

This service aims to give practical help and emotional support to older people both in the hospital and on discharge home. The service looks at immediate problems the patient may be experiencing or may have on returning home, as well as providing information on other beneficial services available in the community.

Age Concern's contact telephone number: 01942 778605.

Useful contacts

Care Quality Commission (CQC)
Address: Citygate, Gallowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4PA
Phone: 03000 616161
Fax: 03000 616172
Web: www.cqc.org.uk
Email: enquiries@cqc.org.uk