Hospital discharge and regaining independence
I have been in hospital, and I am returning home
Regaining your independence after a hospital stay takes planning, support, and care. This is called ‘reablement’ and in Buckinghamshire, it is known as Home Independence.
When you are about to leave the hospital, staff might think you need extra help at home. If so, they may refer you to our Home Independence Team.
Social care workers from the Council will then work with you to move from hospital back home.
If you are not referred into the Home Independence Team service, but you are identified as needing support still, you may be referred into:
- Home First: A free 4-week service that helps you at home with care, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy
- Rapid Response and Intermediate Care: Urgent NHS care that lets you stay at home during a crisis
- Buckinghamshire Council Assessment: We will assess your long-term needs under the Care Act to see if you qualify for support or other community services
What is reablement
Reablement is a short and intensive period of home support to help you recover after time in hospital. The aim of reablement is to improve the skills and confidence of those leaving hospital and allow you to go on living in their own home.
Reablement services can include:
- practising daily activities, such as cooking and bathing, to help regain skills and confidence
- finding new ways to complete daily jobs
- equipment or home adaptations, such as a personal alarm or bath rail
- support for relatives or carer
Home Independence Team (HIT)
Contact our Home Independence Team:
Telephone: 0300 777 2002
Email: [email protected]