Leaving hospital? You have more choice about home care than you might think!

Leaving hospital can be a relief but it can also feel overwhelming, especially when an elderly parent or family member suddenly needs support at home.

In England, many people leave hospital with what are often called “treatables”: short-term or ongoing needs such as help with medication, personal care, preparing simple meals, getting back into a daily routine, or safely moving around the home. Hospital discharge teams do an important job in making sure support is arranged quickly, but one key fact is often missed.

You are not required to use the care provider suggested by the hospital discharge team.

Families are entitled to choose a home care provider that feels right for them, one that fits their values, routines, location, and level of support needed. Accepting the hospital’s recommendation can feel like the easiest option at a stressful time, but it is not the only one.

Many people assume home care must be: long-term, complex or arranged entirely by professionals

In reality, home care after a hospital stay can be:  short-term or ongoing,

flexible around your family’s needs, focused on recovery, confidence, and independence.

Support might include help with: medication routines, washing, dressing, and using the toilet safely, preparing simple meals, getting back to normal daily life at home.

Taking time to understand your options can make a real difference; not just for recovery, but for peace of mind for the whole family.

If you or a loved one are preparing to leave hospital, or have recently returned home, we’ve put together clear, practical guidance to help you understand your choices and what support at home can look like.

👉 Read more about stay-at-home care and your options here:

You’re never alone in this decision and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

At Wellbeing Homecare Services, we support people across Derbyshire and Leicestershire with personalised home care that fits around real lives — whether that’s short-term support after hospital discharge or longer-term help to remain independent at home.

Contact Wellbeing’s Derby Homecare Services today