Leaving Hospital

Age Concern Stockport has developed services especially to help and support people after a period of illness, usually in hospital, or after a visit to hospital, including A&E and Intermediate Care.

HOME AFTER HOSPITAL (HAH) is now well established following a significant redesign in 2007. HAH focuses on those people generally aged 75+ and mainly who live alone and have limited help and who need practical or emotional support. It offers a unique package of short term support in the immediate period after being discharged home from hospital. This will include immediate practical assistance, advice and information and signposting or referral to other services if more is needed, as well as emotional support helping people settle back at home and relieve worries by providing reassurance that someone is there where needed. The service provides a valued referral route for health & social care staff.

SUPPORTING YOU provides one- to-one encouragement to people to “get going” again emotionally, physically and socially, usually after a long or significant period of illness, often in hospital. The service usually works with clients for a few weeks or up to around three months in whatever way will assist the individual. For example, support with walking practice or many different activities to rebuild confidence. It also enhances the effectiveness of other treatments by building confidence and motivation.

PLACEMENT, LONG TERM CARE for some people leaving hospital can mean the need to find a place in an appropriate care home. Because of pressure on Hospital beds this can sometimes mean there is not as much time as people really need for such an important decision, and the limitation on vacancies in homes at any given moment can add to the difficulties of making the right choice. The service works closely with health and social care professionals and provides sensitive and professional local support to people and their families to deal with the challenges of the situation and what can often be a stressful situation.