How to Manage a Discharge from Hospital into Care Homes

The hospital discharge process can be a confusing one for many elderly people and present its own set of challenges. If you are being discharged from hospital the most important consideration should be your health and wellbeing.  

However, discharge from hospital into care homes is not always as easy and straightforward as it should be so this blog will help to provide you with enough information to help you make an informed decision.
 
We will also discuss the challenges with the discharge process and how to ensure that your transition to a care home is as smooth as it can be.

When will I be discharged from hospital?

The timing of your discharge from hospital will depend on your individual health needs, recovery progress, and the arrangements made for your care after leaving the hospital. The hospital team, including doctors, nurses, and discharge planners, will work together to assess when it’s safe for you to go home or transition to another setting, such as a care home.

As a general rule, you’ll be discharged when you are medically fit to leave. Your doctor should confirm that your condition is stable and no longer requires hospital treatment.

In an ideal world, discharge from hospital into care homes would be a smooth and easy process and arrangements would be made to ensure that everything is ready before you leave. However, there are steps you can take to ensure this process is not delayed unnecessarily. We will discuss these further below.

Challenges with the discharge process

However, before we outline how to ensure the process goes smoothly, we’ll first look at some of the main challenges associated with the hospital discharge process. According to the Hospital Discharge Report from Autumna, the vast majority (85%) of patients aged 65 and over experienced delays in the discharge process.Our research also showed that 93.1% of care providers want to see the hospital discharge process reformed.

But what is the reason behind these delays?

Communication gaps

One of the biggest stumbling blocks in the hospital discharge process is the breakdown in communication between care providers and hospital staff. Statistics show that 48.7% of providers say discharge teams do not understand the care they offer and 33.4% say they can’t talk to discharge teams when they need to.

This breakdown in communication has led to bottlenecks in the discharge system, resulting in some elderly patients staying in hospital for longer than they need to.

Lack of preparation

Another issue is the lack of preparation and failure to select a care home or even arrange a care plan. This may be for a number of reasons. For example, hospital teams may not necessarily communicate accurate information about a person’s requirements, which can make it difficult to find the right provider.

Another issue is that the process of finding the right care can be daunting for those that are unfamiliar with the entire process. However, Autumna’s online search tool can make it easy and quick to shortlist care homes in your area. The additional filters can help you to narrow down the search even further.

We also have a shortlisting tool that can match you with providers that more closely meet your needs. All you have to do is answer a few questions and our system will generate a list of suitable providers.

Time pressures

Hospitals are often under pressure to free up beds as soon as possible, and this can result in rushed decisions, and communication breakdowns.

The pressure to act quickly can also make it challenging to fully consider factors like location, specialised care needs, or the overall quality of a care provider.

To counter this, Autumna provides resources to help families manage these time constraints. Our care advice team is available seven days a week to guide you through the process.

Why might I be discharged from hospital to a care home?

Discharge from hospital into care homes is often recommended when you need specialist care and support that cannot be provided by the hospital. This decision is usually based on your medical needs, recovery progress, and overall wellbeing. Below are some common reasons why this might happen:

• Recovery and rehabilitation: If you need extra time to recover from surgery, illness, or an injury, a care home can provide round-the-clock support and access to rehabilitation services like physiotherapy.
• Ongoing medical care: For individuals with complex medical conditions, care homes often have staff trained to manage medication, wound care, or other specialised treatments.
• Safety concerns: If you are at risk of falls or other accidents, moving to a care home ensures a safer environment with professional supervision.
• Increased care needs: Sometimes, your care needs may increase during a hospital stay, making it difficult for family members or home care services to provide the level of support you require.

Discharge to a care home is typically a collaborative decision involving you, your family, hospital staff, and social care teams. The goal is to ensure you receive the care and support needed for a safe and comfortable recovery or to maintain your quality of life.

Ensuring a smooth transition to the care home

Moving to a care home is a big life change, but with the right steps, you can make the process smoother and ensure a comfortable transition. Here are some key actions to take to help guide you through the process:

• Get assessed for a care plan: Before your discharge from hospital into care home, it's important to have a full assessment to determine the level of care you need. A care plan will outline the services and support that are right for you, ensuring that your specific needs are met in the care home.
• Communicate with hospital providers and care teams: Clear communication between hospital staff, your care team, and your family is crucial. Make sure all parties are on the same page regarding your care requirements, the discharge process, and any special considerations that need to be addressed.
• Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask about your care options, your rights, or any concerns you may have. Whether it’s about your health, daily routines, or the specifics of the care home, getting the answers you need will help you feel more confident and informed about the next steps.
• Choosing the right care home: Selecting the right care home is essential for your wellbeing. Autumna’s online search tool allows you to easily find and compare care homes in your area, offering detailed information and helpful filters to narrow down your choices.
• What you need to know to pay for care: Understanding the financial aspects of moving into a care home is crucial. Be sure to ask about the cost of care, what’s included in the fees, and how to access funding support, including whether you’re eligible for financial assistance or if you need to arrange private funding.

Steps to take during a discharge from hospital into care homes

The discharge process is an important step in your transition to a care home, and it’s essential to coordinate effectively with the hospital and ensure everything is in place for a smooth move. Below are some of the main considerations to bear in mind during the discharge process.

• Coordinate with the hospital: Make sure to have a discharge meeting with all relevant staff, including doctors, nurses, and social workers. This meeting should focus on reviewing your care needs, discussing the best care options, and ensuring that you’re fully informed about your discharge plan.
• Request a copy of your care and support plan: Ensure you receive a copy of your care plan that outlines your ongoing care needs, treatments, and any important instructions for the care home staff. This helps ensure continuity of care as you move into your new environment.
• Organising transport: Safe and comfortable transport to the care home is essential for your wellbeing. Work with the hospital team to arrange suitable transport that meets your medical needs, whether it’s an ambulance, a non-emergency patient transport service, or private transport.
• Medications and equipment: Make sure that all necessary prescriptions, mobility aids, and medical equipment are provided to you before discharge. This includes ensuring you have the correct medication and that any specific devices, such as walkers or wheelchairs, are ready for use at the care home.

Looking for a care provider?

If you are currently facing discharge from hospital into care homes and you are finding the whole process of shortlisting providers overwhelming, then Autumna can help.

Our platform provides a number of resources to help you quickly find the right care provider. This includes our aforementioned shortlisting tool, search directory, and also our knowledgeable and friendly team of advisors, who can be contacted on 01892 335 330.