Health and care teams are working hard to make sure vital care and support is given to those most in need. This includes ensuring those who are able to return home to spend Christmas and new year with their loved ones are able to do so.
Sarah Stanley, Executive Clinical Director at Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: “Spending Christmas in hospital may be necessary for some, but many people who are in hospital could go home with the right support in place. Not only does this help patients to continue their recovery safely at home, it also helps to ease pressures on local hospitals so they can care for those most in need.
“Family and friends can help them to get home by making sure they can provide or arrange transport home, stocking up their fridge, popping the heating on and making sure their loved one has got everything they need to continue their recovery at home.”
Research shows that staying in hospital longer than necessary – especially for older patients – can lead to a decline in physical health and increase the risk of infections. For example, just one week in bed for someone over 80 can result in the equivalent of 10 years of muscle ageing.
People whose family or friends are currently in hospital can take some simple steps to help them come home and support their recovery by:
- Preparing the home for their return – making sure their house is warm, clean and stocking up on essentials like food and medicine
- Understanding their hospital discharge plans – provide support with medication administration and recovery requirements, including understanding any equipment needed to aid recovery and how to use it
- Support hospital follow ups – ensuring loved ones respond to hospital phone calls and attend planned appointments
- Offering ongoing support – helping with preparing and cooking meals, offering support to wash and dress, ensuring they are engaging in any community visits and physiotherapy
- Using the right health service at the right time – having the details of who to contact with any concerns, such as medication side effects or equipment failure, to support with their ongoing care.