Before they leave the ward
- Ask for the discharge letter and medication list. Check whether any tablets have changed, stopped or been added.
- Ask what equipment is needed. A raised toilet seat, a walking frame or a commode might be needed for the first few weeks.
- Ask about transport. Hospital transport isn't automatic. If you're collecting them from Musgrove Park in Taunton, have a plan for the journey and for getting into the house.
Get the house ready
- Heating on and the bed made up
- Milk, bread and a few easy meals in the fridge
- Clear walkways, with rugs moved out of the way
- A phone or call button within reach of the bed and chair
- If the stairs are a problem, think about whether a bed downstairs would help for a week or two
The first 72 hours
People are often more tired, wobbly and confused after a hospital stay than anyone expects. Watch for:
- Not eating or drinking much
- New confusion
- Signs of infection, such as a temperature or a wound that looks red
- Not taking medication properly
Our Health & Wellbeing Checks are useful here. Carers can monitor temperature, pulse, blood pressure and oxygen levels during visits and contact the local health team quickly if anything changes. That can be the difference between an early GP visit and going back into hospital.
Our Discharge to Assess service
Something that sets our branch apart is our dedicated Discharge to Assess (D2A) team, led by Tracy Whitcombe. Discharge to Assess means people can leave hospital as soon as they're medically well enough, with care in place at home, while their longer-term needs are assessed in their own surroundings rather than on a ward.
Tracy works closely with hospital teams, social workers and families. It's a calm, organised handover at a moment that can feel rushed and stressful for everyone.
After the first few weeks
Some people bounce back quickly and need nothing more. Others find that a little ongoing help, maybe a morning visit or respite care for a family carer, keeps them well at home for much longer.
If someone you love is coming home soon, call us on 01278 488799. The earlier we hear, the easier it is to have care ready on day one.
