Hospital Discharge Planning: A Step-by-Step Guide
When a loved one is ready to leave hospital, proper discharge planning is essential to ensure they have the right support in place. This guide walks you through the discharge process, explains the assessments available, and helps you coordinate care so your loved one can return home safely or transition to appropriate care.
Important
Understanding the Discharge Process
Hospitals aim to discharge patients as soon as they are medically fit, but this doesn't always mean they are ready to manage at home without support. You have the right to be involved in discharge planning and to request assessments if you have concerns about safety.
Assessments You Can Request
- NHS Continuing Healthcare Assessment - for ongoing health needs
- Social care needs assessment - from your local council
- Carer's assessment - to assess your support needs if you'll be caring
- Occupational therapy assessment - for equipment and home adaptations
- Mental capacity assessment - if there are concerns about decision-making
Before Discharge: Checklist
- Confirm who will be at home when your loved one arrives
- Arrange any equipment needed (hospital bed, commode, walking aids)
- Collect medications and ensure you understand how to give them
- Get contact numbers for the GP and community nursing team
- Arrange follow-up appointments
- Organise transport home
Arranging Care Support
If your loved one needs ongoing care, options include reablement services (free for up to 6 weeks), home care agencies, or residential care. The hospital social worker can help arrange assessments and interim care packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hospital discharge planning?
Discharge planning ensures patients have appropriate support when leaving hospital. It involves assessing care needs, arranging equipment, organising medications, and coordinating any ongoing care services required at home.
Can I refuse hospital discharge if I don't feel ready?
You cannot be forced to leave if it's unsafe, but hospitals may charge for bed-blocking. If you have concerns, speak to the discharge coordinator or hospital social worker and request appropriate assessments.
What is reablement and is it free?
Reablement is short-term support (usually up to 6 weeks) to help people regain independence after hospital. It's provided free by local councils and can include help with personal care, meal preparation, and mobility.
How do I arrange care for someone leaving hospital?
Ask the hospital social worker to arrange a needs assessment. You can also contact your local council directly. For urgent situations, hospitals can arrange interim care packages while longer-term plans are made.
Need More Help?
Support Organisations
- Age UK:0800 678 1602
- Carers UK:0808 808 7777
- Alzheimer's Society:0333 150 3456
- Parkinson's UK:0808 800 0303