Support when leaving hospital

Although most people leaving hospital will manage at home without any extra care or support, going home from hospital can be an anxious time.

How we aim to help you

You may be worried about how you will cope after leaving hospital, or about how to organise the care and support you will need when you get home.

We work closely with hospital staff to make sure your discharge is well planned and that you have the care and support you need when you get home. We aim to help you to be as independent as possible. If you think that you may have difficulties returning home, talk to your named nurse or the discharge co-ordinator on the ward and they will refer you to a social worker.

Regaining your independence

If you need support to remain in your own home following your hospital stay and would like to regain the confidence and skills to live an independent life, short-term enablement support may help. The service is free of charge and lasts a few days up to a few weeks.

If you are eligible for short-term support, the Richmond Response and Rehabilitation Team (RRRT) will visit you at home to discuss your situation. What help you need and what you want to be able to get back to doing. If you have been in hospital, they will work with you and your family to plan for your discharge back home.

As you become more independent, the support you receive will be adjusted over time. Usually, this means that your support will reduce gradually until you are back to being as independent as possible. However, if you still need ongoing care and support after the short-term enablement support, you will most likely have to contribute towards the cost.

More about paying for care and support

Contact

​View contact details for Adult Social Care.​