Why the first weeks matter
After a fall, an operation or an illness, getting home is a relief, but things that were easy before can suddenly feel hard. Getting the right help in those first weeks makes it far less likely you'll need to go back into hospital, and helps you get your confidence back sooner.
How it works
- Get in touch early. You, your family or the hospital discharge team can contact us as soon as a discharge date is being talked about.
- We plan around the discharge. We'll talk to you and, with your permission, the ward or discharge team, so we know what's changed and what equipment you'll have at home.
- Extra support to start with. That might mean help getting up and dressed, meals, medication and a check-in at bedtime.
- Review and reduce. We review after the first week or two and reduce visits as you manage more for yourself, or keep them going if that's what you need.
Working with the NHS and the council
People in our area are often treated at the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle or Westmorland General Hospital in Kendal, and come home with support from community health teams. We work alongside district nurses, therapists and GPs, and follow any exercises or advice they've given you.
If the council has offered you reablement support, which is usually free for up to six weeks, we can work alongside it or carry on once it ends.
For families arranging care from a distance
If you're arranging this for a parent from further away, we'll keep you informed. With their permission you can read visit notes through our care app, and you'll have a named person to call.
Paying for short-term care
Short-term care is charged by the hour like all our visits, with no minimum contract length. See fees and funding for our rates and the help that may be available.
