Dementia care costs in Barnet and Enfield: Your local guide
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Reablement services in Brighton and Worthing can provide short-term support to help people regain strength, confidence and independence after hospital.
Not everyone leaving hospital needs long-term care. Many people simply need some additional support while they regain their strength, confidence and independence.
If this is the case, you may be offered reablement, sometimes referred to as intermediate care. Reablement is a short-term service designed to help people regain independence following illness, injury, surgery or a period in hospital.
Rather than doing everything for you, the focus is on helping you do as much as possible for yourself.
Support may include:
- Washing and dressing
- Preparing meals
- Moving safely around your home
- Using mobility equipment correctly
- Rebuilding confidence after a fall
- Re-establishing everyday routines
Depending on your needs and local eligibility criteria, reablement may be provided for a limited period through NHS or local authority services.
Towards the end of the reablement period, your progress will usually be reviewed. If you continue to need support, your healthcare team may discuss longer-term care options with you and your family.
When equipment isn’t enough
Equipment can make everyday tasks safer and easier, but sometimes it isn’t enough on its own.
A hospital bed can’t remind someone to take their medication.
A walking frame can’t prepare lunch.
A grab rail can’t notice that someone is becoming confused, unwell or unusually tired.
Some people recover successfully with equipment and family support alone, while others benefit from additional help for a few weeks, several months or longer.
Professional homecare can provide practical support with:
- Getting up and starting the day
- Washing and dressing
- Preparing meals and drinks
- Medication reminders
- Shopping
- Light household tasks
- Attending appointments
- Companionship
- Evening routines
Regular visits can also provide reassurance to family members, particularly when they live further away or are balancing work and other caring responsibilities.
At GoodOaks Homecare Brighton and Worthing, our Care Professionals work alongside families to support people as they recover at home. We can encourage independence, help clients use mobility equipment safely and provide practical assistance with everyday activities. Where concerns arise, these can be raised with the client, their family or relevant healthcare professionals in line with the agreed care plan.
Helping to reduce the risk of hospital readmission
The first few weeks after leaving hospital can be an important part of the recovery process. During this time, people may be rebuilding their strength, adjusting to medication and getting used to new routines or equipment.
While not every hospital readmission can be avoided, taking sensible steps at home may help reduce the risk of complications and support a smoother recovery.
1. Take medication as prescribed
Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare team. If you’re unsure about a medicine or experience side effects, speak to your GP or pharmacist rather than stopping treatment without professional advice.
2. Stay active within your limits
Gentle movement can help maintain strength, mobility and flexibility. Follow any exercise programme provided by your physiotherapist and avoid pushing yourself beyond the limits recommended by your healthcare team.
3. Eat well and stay hydrated
Good nutrition supports the body’s recovery. Aim for balanced meals and adequate fluids, unless you’ve been advised to follow specific dietary or fluid restrictions.
4. Use equipment correctly
Walking aids, shower chairs, raised toilet seats and other equipment are recommended to support safety and independence. Make sure you understand how to use them correctly and consistently.
5. Attend follow-up appointments
GP reviews, hospital appointments and therapy sessions give healthcare professionals an opportunity to monitor your recovery and identify concerns early.
6. Ask for Help Early
If everyday tasks are becoming difficult, don’t wait until the situation becomes a crisis. Speaking to your healthcare team or arranging additional support early can make recovery more manageable.
Hospital to home checklist
Before returning home from hospital, it can help to work through this simple checklist.
1. Home Preparation
- Heating and hot water are working.
- Pathways and walkways are clear of clutter.
- Frequently used items are within easy reach.
- Loose rugs and trailing cables have been removed where appropriate.
- Good lighting is available, particularly on stairs and in hallways.
2. Medication
- Prescriptions have been collected.
- You understand how and when to take each medicine.
- Repeat prescriptions have been arranged if required.
3. Equipment
- Recommended equipment has been delivered, or delivery arrangements have been confirmed.
- You know how to use the equipment safely.
- You know who to contact if there is a problem with the equipment.
4. Food and Essentials
- There is enough food for the first few days.
- Toiletries and essential household items are available.
5. Support
- Family or friends know when you’re coming home.
- Follow-up appointments have been recorded.
- GP and community healthcare contact details are easy to find.
- Visiting care has been arranged if required.
Many families find it useful to print this checklist before discharge and tick off each item as preparations are completed.
Can I buy my own equipment?
Many people receive equipment following an assessment by an occupational therapist or other healthcare professional. However, some families also choose to purchase additional equipment privately.
This may be an option if:
- You need equipment that isn’t available through local services.
- You expect to need the equipment for longer-term use.
- You would like a wider choice of products.
- You need an item while waiting for an assessment or other support.
Before buying specialist equipment, it’s sensible to seek advice from an occupational therapist or another appropriate healthcare professional to ensure it is suitable for your needs, home environment and level of mobility.
Mobility equipment retailers
If you’re looking for mobility equipment in the Brighton & Worthing area, there are a number of national and online retailers offering products such as walking aids, bathroom equipment, riser recliner chairs and daily living aids.
Please note: These retailers are provided as examples to help readers explore their options. GoodOaks Homecare Brighton and Worthing does not endorse any particular retailer or product. Your occupational therapist or healthcare professional is best placed to advise on equipment appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Support for family carers
When someone returns home from hospital, family members often find themselves taking on additional responsibilities.
This might include helping with personal care, preparing meals, managing medication, attending appointments or providing emotional support.
If you regularly care for someone, you may be entitled to a carer’s assessment through your local authority. This looks at how your caring responsibilities affect your own wellbeing and whether additional support could help.
Looking after yourself is just as important as supporting the person you care for. If caring responsibilities are becoming difficult to manage, ask for help rather than waiting until you reach a crisis point.
Local rehabilitation and community support
Recovery doesn’t necessarily end when you leave hospital. Depending on your circumstances, you may continue to receive support from services such as:
- Community physiotherapy
- Community nursing teams
- Occupational therapy
- Falls prevention services
- Your GP practice
- Local voluntary and community organisations
Following professional advice and attending rehabilitation appointments can help support recovery, maintain independence and identify potential problems early.
Why planning ahead can make recovery easier
Leaving hospital is an important milestone, but recovery doesn’t end when you walk through your front door.
The right combination of equipment, rehabilitation, practical support and encouragement can help people rebuild confidence, maintain independence and settle back into everyday life at home.
Whether support comes from family, friends, NHS professionals or a homecare provider, planning ahead can make the transition smoother and reduce unnecessary stress for everyone involved.
For people across Brighton, Hove, Worthing, Shoreham-by-Sea, Lancing, Southwick and Portslade, the right support at the right time can make a meaningful difference to recovery at home.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I refuse to leave hospital?
If you have concerns about going home, discuss them with your hospital team as early as possible. If you are considered medically ready for discharge, the team should explain the proposed arrangements and discuss what support may be available to help you recover safely at home.
2. What happens if my equipment hasn’t arrived?
Speak to your hospital discharge team before leaving. If essential equipment has been recommended, ask what arrangements have been made for delivery and whether it will be available before you return home.
3. Is NHS equipment free?
Equipment provided following a professional assessment may be supplied through local community equipment services, depending on your circumstances and local arrangements. Ask your healthcare professional about any equipment you have been prescribed or recommended.
4. Who collects NHS equipment?
When equipment is no longer required, collection arrangements are generally made through the relevant community equipment service. Check with your local provider about the process.
5. Can I keep my hospital bed?
Specialist equipment supplied through NHS or community equipment services is generally provided on a loan basis and may need to be returned when it is no longer required. Your healthcare or equipment provider can confirm the arrangements for your specific equipment.
6. What if my needs change after I get home?
If your mobility, health or ability to manage everyday activities changes, speak to your GP, community healthcare team or occupational therapist. A further assessment may identify additional equipment, rehabilitation or care that could help.
7. Can I arrange homecare while waiting for NHS services?
Yes. Some families choose to arrange private visiting homecare to provide additional support while assessments or longer-term services are being arranged. This can provide practical assistance and reassurance during the transition home.
8. How quickly can GoodOaks Homecare start supporting someone?
Availability depends on individual circumstances and local care capacity. If you or a family member is preparing to leave hospital, contacting GoodOaks Homecare Brighton and Worthing as early as possible can allow time to discuss your needs and plan support around your expected discharge date.
