What help can I get after a hospital stay?

Reablement is a short, intensive programme of support at home, usually for up to six weeks, to help you regain skills and confidence after illness, injury or a hospital stay.

A reablement worker works with you, setting goals together. The aim is to help you do things for yourself, not to do them for you.

Reablement is usually provided by a council team or by an agency working for the council. It is offered to people who could benefit from rebuilding independence, for example after a fall, an operation, an illness or a hospital stay.

It is not right for everyone. If you need ongoing care that will not improve, the team will say so, and the council will talk to you about longer-term support instead.

No. Reablement is free for up to six weeks. If you then need longer-term care, the council will carry out a needs assessment and a financial assessment.

Leaving hospital should be planned with you, and with your family if you are happy for them to be involved. Ask these questions.

At the end of the programme, the reablement team reviews how you are managing. If you no longer need help, support stops. If you still need care, the council carries out a needs assessment and agrees a care and support plan, and a financial assessment decides what you pay.

If you do not feel ready, tell the team before it ends. They can review whether more support is needed.

Be there on the day of discharge if you can, or arrange for someone to be. Check there is food and warmth at home, and that the person has their medicines and discharge letter.

Keep a note of names and phone numbers of everyone involved. Ask the team how you can help the person practise the skills they are working on.

Small items such as grab rails and bath seats are usually free after an assessment by the council or an occupational therapist. Larger changes, such as a stairlift or a level-access shower, may be paid for through a Disabled Facilities Grant, which is means-tested.