Coming home after a stay in hospital is often a welcome step, but it can also be a worrying time for older people and their families.

Someone who was previously managing well at home may feel tired, less confident or simply find everyday jobs more difficult for a while. For relatives, particularly those who live further away or are balancing work and family commitments, there can also be the question: how are they going to manage once they are back home?

At Cassio Home Help, we regularly support older people and their families with practical home care in Watford and surrounding areas. Sometimes a little extra help with the ordinary things can make the transition home much easier.

Preparing for the first few days at home

Before an elderly relative leaves hospital, it is useful to think about what they are likely to need when they arrive home.

The hospital should discuss any formal care or support requirements as part of the discharge process. Alongside this, there are plenty of everyday things that family and friends can consider.

For example:

  • Is there enough food and drink in the house?
  • Will somebody be able to do the shopping?
  • Is the house clean, tidy and comfortable?
  • Are commonly used items within easy reach?
  • Does somebody need to collect prescriptions or other essentials?
  • Will they have some company during the first few days?
  • Are there appointments they will need help getting to?

These are simple things, but having them organised can make coming home feel much less daunting.

Everyday jobs can suddenly feel more difficult

After spending time in hospital, tasks that previously seemed straightforward can sometimes feel tiring or overwhelming.

Preparing a meal, putting a load of washing on, changing bedding or going to the supermarket may be manageable eventually, but that does not necessarily mean someone should have to tackle everything immediately.

This is where a little help at home can be particularly useful.

Support might include:

  • Preparing simple meals and drinks
  • Shopping for groceries and household essentials
  • Light housework and laundry
  • Changing bedding and keeping the home tidy
  • Collecting prescriptions
  • Helping with online shopping
  • Accompanying someone to appointments

The aim is not to take over. It is to provide the right amount of support while someone gets back into their normal routine.

Don’t underestimate the importance of company

Practical jobs are only one part of returning home.

A hospital stay can interrupt someone’s normal routine and social contact. Once home, particularly for somebody who lives alone, the house can suddenly feel very quiet.

Regular visits provide an opportunity for conversation, reassurance and a friendly face. A cup of tea and a chat may not sound like a major part of home care, but companionship can be just as valuable as getting the shopping or helping with the laundry.

It also provides reassurance for family members who may not be able to visit as often as they would like.

Getting back to normal at the right pace

For many older people, remaining independent is extremely important.

Home support should therefore be about helping somebody do as much as they comfortably can for themselves, rather than automatically doing everything for them.

As confidence returns, the amount of help required may change. Someone might initially appreciate support with several everyday tasks but later only need a regular shopping trip, some housework or a companionship visit.

At Cassio Home Help, we offer regular, short-term and one-off support, allowing the help provided to reflect what each individual actually needs.

What if formal care is needed?

Practical home help is not a replacement for medical, nursing or other professional care.

If someone has ongoing medical or personal care needs following a hospital stay, these should be discussed with the hospital team, GP or other appropriate healthcare professionals. Any discharge plan or professional advice should always be followed.

Cassio Home Help can complement this by providing non-medical support with everyday life, companionship and household tasks.

How Cassio Home Help can help after a hospital stay

If an elderly relative is returning home in Watford or the surrounding area, we can provide friendly, practical support to help make everyday life a little easier.

Every person is different, so before we start we take the time to understand their individual needs and requirements. We believe consistency is important too, and wherever possible provide the same helper so that a familiar and trusting relationship can develop.

Our team are friendly, compassionate, trustworthy, fully trained, insured and DBS checked.

You can find out more about our home care in Watford or our dedicated home help in Watford service.

Need a little extra help at home?

If a parent, relative or loved one is returning home from hospital and you are concerned about how they will manage the everyday things, please get in touch.

Sometimes a small amount of regular support is all that is needed to make life easier and give the whole family some extra reassurance.

Call Cassio Home Help on 01923 465191 to have a friendly chat about how we may be able to help.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about practical support following a hospital stay and is not medical or professional healthcare advice. Always follow the discharge instructions provided by the hospital and speak to your GP, NHS 111