Do you get 6 weeks of free care after a hospital stay?

After a hospital stay, many people require additional support to help them recover and regain their independence. In the UK, you may be eligible for up to 6 weeks of free care after hospital to assist with this transition. This care, which is often called ‘intermediate care’, is designed to bridge the gap between hospital discharge and full recovery.

Whether you need help with daily tasks, rehabilitation, or simply regaining confidence in your home environment, intermediate care provides essential support. Funded by the NHS or your local authority, this service is available to help prevent readmission to hospital and ease the strain on family carers.

In this guide, we’ll explore what intermediate care is, who qualifies for it, how to apply, and what happens after the initial six weeks of support. If you or a loved one is recovering from a hospital stay, this could be the next step towards a more comfortable recovery.

What is intermediate care from the nhs?

Intermediate care is short-term support that helps individuals transition from hospital back to their normal routine, providing the care and assistance needed during recovery. It is designed to help you regain your independence and prevent the need for long-term care after a hospital stay. The service can last for up to 6 weeks and is typically arranged before you leave the hospital, so that support is in place as soon as you’re discharged.

There are several forms of intermediate care, each tailored to meet your specific recovery needs:

• Home-based care: This allows you to receive care in your own home, where professional carers provide assistance with daily activities, such as personal care, meal preparation, and mobility support. It’s ideal for those who are able to stay in their own home but need some extra help as they recover.
• Bed-based care: In certain cases, you may need to be placed in a care home, a community hospital, or a specialised intermediate care facility. Here, you’ll receive more intensive support, including assistance with daily tasks, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy.
• Crisis response care: This is a short-term service, usually lasting up to 48 hours, for individuals who need immediate support after leaving the hospital. If you need more assistance after the crisis response period, your care plan will be reviewed and adjusted accordingly.

The goal of intermediate care is to help you achieve as much independence as possible in a safe environment. Whether you receive this care after hospital discharge at home or in a care setting, your care team will work with you to develop a recovery plan tailored to your needs.

Who is eligible for free intermediate care?

Free intermediate care is available to individuals who have been discharged from the hospital but are still in need of additional support to help with their recovery. Eligibility for 6 weeks of free care after hospital is determined by medical professionals who assess your condition before discharge.

To qualify, you generally need to meet the following criteria:

• Recent hospital stay: You must have recently been admitted to the hospital for surgery, illness, or injury.
• Ongoing care needs: You should require extra support, such as help with personal care, mobility, or daily tasks, that cannot be managed independently at home immediately after leaving the hospital.
• Temporary assistance: The care is intended to be temporary, helping you regain the ability to perform daily activities and work towards independence. The duration of care is typically up to 6 weeks, though some people may only need it for a shorter period.

Important points about eligibility:

• Non means-tested: Eligibility for 6 weeks of free care after hospital is not based on your income or savings. This means that you don’t need to undergo a financial assessment to qualify for this service.
• Referral process: Before leaving the hospital, your medical team will assess whether you would benefit from intermediate care. If they believe it will support your recovery, they will refer you for this service.
• Care assessment: Following the referral, social services or health professionals will work with you to identify the level of support you need. A personalised care plan will be created based on your specific recovery goals.

Keep in mind that availability of this care may vary depending on your local area and the specific services offered by your NHS trust or local authority. It’s important to check what services are available near you, as they may differ by region.

How does the 6 weeks of free care work?

Once you’ve been assessed and found eligible for 6 weeks of free care after hospital, the next step is to arrange your care and set specific recovery goals. The care you receive will depend on your needs and the type of support you require, and it will be tailored to help you regain independence as quickly as possible.

Here’s how the process generally works:

1. Pre-discharge planning: Before leaving the hospital, medical professionals will assess your condition to determine if you need intermediate care. If you do, your care team will start arranging it. Depending on your needs, this might include setting up home-based care or a place in a care home.
2. Goal setting: A key aspect of intermediate care is setting clear goals. These goals are designed to help you regain independence, such as improving mobility, learning to perform daily tasks, or managing personal care. Your care team, which may include social workers, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists, will guide you through this process.
3. Types of support provided: Depending on your needs, you could receive a variety of support services during your 6 weeks of free care after hospital, including:
   • Personal care: Assistance with activities like washing, dressing, or eating.
   • Mobility assistance: Help with walking or getting around your home safely.
   • Reablement: Support to help you learn or relearn essential skills for daily life, such as cooking, cleaning, and managing personal tasks.
   • Therapies: Access to physical therapy or occupational therapy to improve movement and help you regain your independence.
4. Monitoring and evaluation: Throughout the care period, your progress will be monitored. The care team will track how well you’re meeting your recovery goals and adjust your care plan as needed. If you’re recovering faster than expected, your care may be reduced or changed. If you need additional support, the care team may extend your care or help you transition to longer-term support options.

The goal of intermediate care is not just to help you recover, but also to make sure that once your 6 weeks of free care after hospital ends, you can manage your daily life with as much independence as possible.

What happens after the 6 weeks of care?

Once your 6 weeks of free care after hospital come to an end, your care team will assess your progress and determine the next steps in your recovery journey. If you still require further assistance, there are options available to ensure you continue receiving the support you need.

Here’s what typically happens after the 6 weeks of intermediate care:

1. Ongoing care assessment: As the 6-week period draws to a close, your care team will reassess your condition. This assessment will help determine whether you still need additional care or if you are now able to manage independently.
2. Transition to long-term care: If your recovery is progressing well but you still need assistance, you may be referred for long-term care. This could include ongoing support at home or placement in a care home. In the case of discharge from hospital into a care home, your care team will work with you and your family to find a suitable facility that meets your needs and ensures a smooth transition.
3. NHS continuing healthcare: If your medical needs remain significant, you may be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare. This is a long-term funding option for individuals who have complex, ongoing health needs. If eligible, the NHS will continue to arrange and fund your care.
4. Care needs and financial assessment: If you require long-term care, you may undergo a care needs assessment, where a professional evaluates the level of care you need. You might also need a financial assessment to determine if you’ll need to contribute to the cost of care, depending on your financial situation.
5. Review of support: If your condition has improved but you still find some daily tasks challenging, the care team might help you access additional services or community resources to assist with ongoing recovery.

What if I don’t qualify for 6 weeks of free care?

While 6 weeks of free care after hospital can provide invaluable support, not everyone will be eligible for this service. If you find that you don’t qualify, there are still several options available to ensure you receive the care and support you need during your recovery.

Here’s what you can do if you don’t qualify for free intermediate care:

• Private care options: If you’re not eligible for NHS-funded intermediate care, you can consider private care services. These can be arranged to provide assistance in your home or in a care home, depending on your needs. You may need to pay for these services yourself, but there are various care agencies that offer personalised support to help with daily activities and rehabilitation.
• Contact social services: If you think you still need care but weren’t referred for intermediate care, you can contact your local authority’s social services department. They can conduct a care needs assessment to determine the level of support you require. If necessary, they may refer you to other local services that can help.
• Community resources: Many areas offer community-based support services for individuals recovering after a hospital stay. These can include meal delivery services, home adaptations, or volunteer-run programmes to assist with tasks like shopping or transportation.
• NHS reablement services: Some areas may offer reablement services even if you don’t qualify for the full 6 weeks of free care. These services aim to help individuals regain their independence and may be available for shorter periods or in different settings.

If you’re unsure about your options or need guidance on where to turn for support, it’s always a good idea to speak with your doctor, hospital discharge team, or local authority to explore the best care solutions for your situation.

Post hospital care at home

Navigating the transition from hospital to home can be a challenging and overwhelming experience for many individuals. The need for ongoing support with medication management, wound care, and rehabilitation, often necessitates intensive support, especially in the initial stages of returning home.

At Prestige Nursing & Care, we understand the importance of providing personalised care after hospital discharge to facilitate a smooth and comfortable transition from hospital to home. Our dedicated team tailors our home from hospital services to meet your individual needs, ensuring that you receive the right level of support precisely when you need it.

With our compassionate and experienced carers by your side, you can rest assured that you’ll receive the highest quality care to promote your post hospital discharge recovery and well-being, all in the comfort of your own home.

A helping hand at home

For 80 years, Prestige Nursing & Care has been trusted by our clients and their families to provide competent and compassionate home care. Our care is focused on improving health and overall well-being, and all in the place people love most – their own homes.

FIND A CARE SERVICE NEAR YOU

Call us on 0808 239 1525 and our friendly care experts will discuss your care and support needs. You can also fill out our online enquiry form or email info@prestige-nursing.co.uk. We provide impartial guidance and advice so you can make the right choice for you and your family.