Making hospital discharge safe

Not everyone needs help after being in hospital, but many do. For those that need help it’s important that you know what help you may need and where to get it. Knowing yours and your loved one’s rights helps you get help needed to aid recovery.

Older people that have been on a hospital ward for some time may not be as physically fit as before they went in, and so may need help with daily tasks for a while after they leave. Or if the reason for being in hospital means a change in circumstances, this can mean lots of life adjustments and a need for care. This could be on a temporary basis or longer. For a change in life circumstances, many people find checking benefit entitlements and other financial help available assists them. In each case, it’s important that discharge from hospital doesn’t leave people unsafe and without the help needed for recovery.

Arranging the care and support older people need to leave hospital safely is usually done through the NHS or social care staff. Some have arrangements with charities to help get people home safe and well.

Family, loved ones and unpaid carers should be involved in assessments and care arrangements where the older person leaving hospital wishes them to be involved. In Wales the Social Services and Well-being Act (Wales) 2014 gives a legal framework for individuals to have voice and control in care arrangements.

We want to support you to know your rights and entitlements to the help you and your loved ones.

Information on rights and entitlements is included in the below links and phonelines.

Age Cymru Information and Advice

Age Cymru Advice: 0300 303 44 98

Email: advice@agecymru.org.uk

Age Cymru Human Rights Toolkit

Spread the Warmth

Age Cymru information guides and factsheets

Your hospital stay

Hospital discharge arrangements for older people in Wales factsheet

Attendance Allowance Factsheet

Treatment of property in the means test for permanent care home provision in Wales factsheet