Choosing care
Hospital discharge: arranging care quickly
What to expect when care has to be arranged in days, and how to keep control of the decision.
5 min read
Ask for the discharge plan in writing
The hospital team should explain the plan for leaving hospital, including any short-term support that is arranged for you. Ask who is coordinating it, what is funded, and for how long — short-term support often ends after a set period, and families are frequently surprised by that date.
Short-term support first, long-term decisions later
Recovery at home often reduces the level of care needed. Where it is safe, arrange support for the recovery period and review it, rather than committing to a permanent arrangement in a stressful week.
Use providers who can start at short notice
In CareLink you can filter Care Finder for providers accepting enquiries and offering emergency or urgent placements, and our Care Advisors can contact a shortlist on your behalf the same day.
Official sources
Guidance only — it isn't financial or legal advice, and rules and figures change. Always check the official source or speak to an adviser.