GUEST BLOG: Planning for a Smooth Hospital Discharge & Common Challenges for Recovery After a Hospital Stay
Leaving the hospital can be a huge relief, but it’s also just the beginning of a new set of challenges. Whether recovering from an illness, surgery, or mobility issues, having a solid plan in place before returning home is key to a safe and successful recovery.
In the UK, we’re well aware of the pressure on the NHS, and one major issue is delayed discharges, often referred to as “bed blocking.” Many hospital stays are extended not because a patient still requires medical treatment, but because essential care arrangements, equipment, or home adaptations have not yet been put in place. Without proper planning, hospital discharge can be delayed, and once home, unexpected difficulties can arise, putting recovery at risk.
Early planning is crucial to ensuring a smooth transition home. Several key factors need to be considered before discharge:
Short-term care support
A crucial consideration is whether short-term support from family members or part-time carers will be sufficient, or if a more structured care solution is needed. For many, the transition home can feel daunting, routine movements such as standing up or walking to the bathroom may suddenly be difficult. The loss of confidence in mobility can lead to reduced activity, muscle weakness, and an increased risk of falls. In these situations, having continuous, professional support can make all the difference.
Live in care
Promedica24 provides live in care, offering round-the-clock assistance and companionship from a fully trained carer who resides in the home. Care at home using the services of a dedicated live-in carer ensures personalised, one-to-one care tailored to individual needs, helping to maintain independence, improve safety, and support overall well-being during recovery.
Equipment
Having the right equipment and home adaptations in place can prevent unnecessary risks and complications. For example, mobility aids like walking frames, grab rails, or hospital beds may be needed to create a safe environment. Simple changes such as moving a bed downstairs, installing non-slip flooring, or ensuring easy access to a bathroom can make a significant difference in comfort and safety.
After-care
Coordinating aftercare services is another vital step. District nurses, physiotherapists, or occupational therapists may need to provide ongoing support, but understanding who arranges these visits can be confusing. In some cases, hospital discharge teams coordinate care, while in others, families must make arrangements through social services or private providers. This is where having access to clear, up-to-date information is invaluable.
The Myra app
The Myra App was created to address a growing issue in hospitals, where patients ready for discharge face delays due to fragmented and hard-to-access information. Nicola Murgatroyd, Myra’s founder, saw first-hand the struggles families face when trying to coordinate care for their loved ones. As a parent carer, she experienced the frustration of siloed systems and recognised the need for a platform that connects people with the right support at the right time.
Myra helps patients, carers, and families navigate the discharge process by signposting them to essential resources. The hospital discharge checklist ensures that nothing is overlooked, from arranging home adaptations to securing care services. By helping people ask the right questions and signposting to information and support they need, Myra makes hospital discharge smoother and recovery at home more manageable.
Common Challenges When Recovering at Home
Once home, many people face challenges they didn’t anticipate while in hospital. Everyday tasks that once felt simple can become overwhelming, and without the right support, recovery can be slow and stressful.
A home that was once easy to navigate may now pose risks. Stairs, uneven flooring, or a lack of grab rails can increase the likelihood of falls. Making small changes, such as installing handrails, repositioning furniture, or ensuring adequate lighting, can create a safer environment. For those needing more support, live in care can provide round-the-clock assistance, giving both the patient and their family peace of mind.
After a hospital stay, even routine movements like standing up or walking to the bathroom can be difficult. Many older adults lose confidence in their ability to move safely, which can lead to reduced activity, muscle weakness, and a greater risk of falls. Having someone to assist with mobility and encourage gentle movement can be a game-changer in regaining strength and independence.
Coming home with new prescriptions, changing dosages, or unfamiliar medications can be overwhelming. Missing doses or taking the wrong amount can lead to complications and, in some cases, hospital readmission. Solutions like automated medication dispensers can remove the stress of keeping track of prescriptions, ensuring that the right dose is taken at the right time.
Myra case study
Our user story: Flo, 78, was admitted to hospital after a fall at home. Her niece, Lucy, had been managing her care while juggling full-time work and family responsibilities. When doctors said Flo was medically fit for discharge, Lucy felt overwhelmed – was Flo really ready to come home? How would she manage daily tasks like washing, dressing, and meal preparation?
Using Myra, Lucy accessed the hospital discharge checklist, helping her identify what needed to be in place before Flo could leave the hospital. She found short-term care support, arranged for a falls risk assessment, and organised meal deliveries to ensure Flo had nutritious meals while she regained strength.
With these steps in place, Flo’s transition home was smooth. Her confidence grew knowing she had assistance, and Lucy felt reassured that her aunt was safe. Because Myra had also signposted them to local volunteer groups, Flo was able to reconnect with her community, reducing loneliness and supporting her recovery.
For many people like Flo, Myra helps ease the transition home and recovery process by signposting to valuable services, such as: Hot or frozen meal deliveries for proper nutrition during recovery, Mobility aids to support independence and confidence at home, Quick guides on fall prevention to reduce the risk of readmission, Medication reminders to ensure prescriptions are taken correctly.
Conclusion
The days and weeks following hospital discharge are crucial in determining the success of recovery. Careful planning, support from services like Myra, and access to reliable information can make all the difference. With the right preparation, older adults can regain their independence and confidence, recovering safely in the place they know best: home.
Promedica24 West Sussex is proud to partner with Myra. To discuss live-in hospital discharge care options in West Sussex or the Isle of Wight, contact Chris White-Smith on 07836 256639, e-mail c.white-smith@promedica24.co.uk, or click here.
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