Planning recovery - Going Home
Whilst on critical care, staff involved in your recovery and rehabilitation are likely to have included Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists as well as the nurses and Doctors. They will have worked with you to improve your strength and mobility and set agreed goals for recovery.
When you are transferred to the ward your rehabilitation will continue with the therapy team responsible for that ward speciality.
The planning to get you out of hospital will start as soon as possible, with more emphasis when you are on the ward. So, when you feel able to, start thinking about where you might go when you are discharged. For example, home or to a family member or friend’s house. As you progress in your recovery you will be included in discussions about the appropriate time to be discharged home. If, at that time you still have rehabilitation goals to work towards, you will be supported with any equipment required at home and have a referral to be followed up with community therapy teams. In some circumstances it may be more appropriate for you to continue your rehabilitation at a community therapy hospital to then facilitate your discharge home.
Examples of support may include:
- Equipment in the bathroom such as a raised toilet seat, perching stool to assist with personal care.
- Progression of mobility from a walking frame to independence with the community physiotherapists.
- Support from an intermediate care team to assist with washing and dressing or meal preparation.
Your therapist and the ward will keep you updated but feel free to ask questions regularly as staff appreciate that this might be an anxious time. Please remember, you will not be sent home until the doctors, nurses and therapists think you are ready.
