Rehab Care After Illness In Adult

[Barmaid]

A friend of mine (aged 50) is about to be discharged from hospital after a long illness. He has no further medical or clinical needs.

However, in my view, he does have care needs. He is dramatically underweight and still v weak. EG, he has to sit to take a shower because he cannot stand for that long. I do not imagine he can do stairs yet nor walk more than a few paces without becoming breathless. I do not believe that he will be able to cook for himself or clean or shop. At least for the first few weeks until he regains some strength. He lives alone.

I shall provide such assistance as I can, but there is limit to how much I can do. I've got recurring bursitis in my hip and Mr BM is about to have an op.

All the stuff I've looked at is aimed at the elderly, rather than people who need a period of rehab. He is on SSP until he can get back to work.

Can anyone point me in the right direction as to where I might be able to access some support for him. I understood under the Care Act he was entitled to an assessment but it seems not. I'm at my wits end since if he is discharged when he is so weak, he will end up back in there.

[anneasquith]

He requires an assessment when in hospital as to his suitability to be discharged. Normally a physiotherapist, occupational therapist. Once he has been assessed, a care package should be arranged before discharge . Good luck .

[Peter Pedant]

Contact the hospital where he is
see the sister in charge and say he cant cope for himself.
and yes I thought these patients got an OP assessment about coping at home

HE may be saying he can - so as so often happens in law, you dont have the whole picture. He also needs an OP assessment of his house - bars and railings, making sure he has bannister which will bear his weight - handles in the shower
making sure the shower can have a chair....

it strikes me they havent started.....

[Peter Pedant]

agree AA
this is not rocket science and I am surprised it hasnt been done

[tiggerblue10]

You've probably already seen this, BM, but just in case. Not sure how helpful it is though.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/care-after-a-hospital-stay/care-after-illness-or-hospital-discharge-reablement/

[anneasquith]

A major pit fall is when a patient is sent home maybe on a Friday and no package has been arranged for discharge. Yes this does happen .

[bednobs]

all the time anne!
what do the carers actually do for him in hospital at the moment?
does he have room for a downstairs bed and does he have a downstairs toilet? Can he wash himself? Deal with his own toiletting needs?
Most things are overcomeable - its not like he couldnt take all day to have a wash if he wanted to, and he could have frozen-microwave food

[DTCwordfan]

unfortunately yes this is the case.

From the civil side, if housing is involved, come through them - there's quite a range of support systems that lurk behind the basic question of home support and worth exploring

[bednobs]

https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-help/get-support-at-home

[DTCwordfan]

bednobs, I believe that there is difference between counties and, no doubt, the scots, the welshies and the Northern irish have different approaches...

[bednobs]

eh? the rc is uk based

[anneasquith]

Bednobs. I didn’t say all the time .

[bednobs]

i knw you didnt, i did?

[anneasquith]

I’m sorry, lack of communication. We know it does happen, a dreadful situation for all concerned.

[RobNorth]

A Primary Healthcare Centre near me has about ten single residential units on it's upper floor for just this purpose. A half way house between hospital and home where folks stay for a few weeks with medical and social oversight. Perhaps they are not uncommon.

[Cloverjo]

Try social services or the district nurse.

[Barmaid]

Sorry for the late response and thank you to those who helped. My friend was discharged to my care last week after I had long chat with his consultant. It's been tough for Mr BM and I, but with the help and support of other friends he was well enough to go home today. We have a network of support sorted and something more formal in planning. It's been a dreadful few months, but we are on the right path now.

Thank you.

[Mamyalynne]

Very well done to you, best wishes to your friend too.

[anneasquith]

Great his ‘ friends ‘ have aided this man getting home .