ONE MILLION HOSPITAL PATIENTS READMITTED WITHIN 30 DAYS*
AVOID BEING ONE OF THEM BY NOT BEING AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS
If you’ve ever had a close relative in hospital, you will have been desperate to see a speedy recovery and to have them discharged as quickly as possible. It is very upsetting to witness the distress of an elderly loved one in a bed on a busy ward, disoriented by the noise, stressed by the pain of others and the lack of privacy. Recovery in the comfort of our own home is much the better option which is where live-in care could be the solution. Hospital discharge that is rushed without making sure that a suitable support plan is in place, could have a damaging impact longer term.
A recent report by the National Audit Office identified that: of all the patients discharged from hospitals in the UK in 2014, one million were readmitted within 30 days. Healthwatch England conducted a year-long inquiry into readmissions and identified that the cause could be the way in which hospitals are discharging patients in that they are not taking sufficient care to ensure that patients are genuinely ready to leave with the correct support in place. It identified cases of patients being discharged without consultation from a doctor, or being sent home while relatives were wrongly advised that they were being sent to a rehabilitation centre.
BBC news coverage of the inquiry has highlighted that:
‘Of the 120 hospital trusts that responded to Freedom of Information requests:
• Half were failing to record whether the patient’s home environment was suitable.
• A third were failing to record whether the patient’s GP or carer had been notified of new medicines.’
In fact, these two items should be part of the standard discharge policy that every hospital should have in writing. If you aren’t sure what is included, ask to see a copy. According to the Alzheimer’s Society website:
‘The hospital discharge process should include:
• An assessment of the person’s needs, living environment and support network.
• A written care plan that records these needs.
• Confirmation that any required services are in place in time for the discharge.
• A system for monitoring and, if necessary, adjusting the care plan to meet any change in needs.
• An assessment to see if the person qualifies for NHS continuing health care.’
It makes sense to plan the details of discharge with hospital staff in advance. Details really make a difference, for example, it is their responsibility to ensure that you have transport arranged. They must also take extra care over allowing a patient to leave late on a Friday because of the difficulty of contacting health services and GPs during the weekend.
While the checks are hugely beneficial, in the case of elderly patients, discharges are often delayed due to the time it takes to assess and ensure that suitable care arrangements are in place. A delay could mean your relative going into a residential facility until care at home is available. This can cause further discomfort and disorientation to a patient who may be desperate to get back to familiar surroundings and a home-cooked meal.
One solution for avoiding even a brief spell in residential care is the engagement of a carefully selected live-in carer, for temporary recuperation or on a more permanent basis.
A live-in carer can help with whatever a patient needs when arriving home from hospital. This may range from domestic tasks such as meal preparation, light housework and laundry. Or it could include patient care such as help with transfers to and from wheelchairs, escorting the client to medical appointments, assistance with bathing washing and dressing, continence care and toileting assistance. More importantly, a live-in carer can be invaluable when it comes to maintaining a care plan post operatiion, helping with physio and liaising with other healthcare professionals. A carer with training and experience in caring for a person with terminal illness, who has suffered a stroke or is suffering from advanced Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease, will be able to provide care tailored to the specific needs of these types of clients . Other benefits include providing companionship and support to regain confidence.
*National Audit Office statistic
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To find out more about how a live-in carer could help you or a loved one remain in your own home, visit our website www.otusliveincare.com, call us on 01403 710119 or email [email protected].
Otus Live-in Care is a privately owned company offering a bespoke service introducing personal live-in carers and companions to clients in their own homes. We are dedicated to helping provide support for those who want to retain their independence, but with the security that they have someone living with them to deliver support and provide companionship.