Guide

Coming Home from Hospital in Birmingham: A Family Guide

By the Birmingham Angels teamUpdated 6 min read

A carer talking with an older woman who uses a walking frame

Discharge from hospital can happen quickly, sometimes with very little notice. If your relative is coming home from the Queen Elizabeth, Heartlands, Good Hope, Solihull, Midland Metropolitan, New Cross, Russells Hall, Walsall Manor or University Hospital Coventry, a little planning makes the first days at home much safer.

Before discharge: questions for the ward

  • When is discharge planned, and how will they get home?
  • Which medicines have changed, and is there a supply to take home?
  • What equipment is needed, and when will it be delivered?
  • Will therapists, district nurses or a reablement team visit?
  • What should we watch out for, and who do we call if we're worried?

Free short-term support

Many people leaving hospital are offered reablement or intermediate care to help them regain independence. In England this is normally free for up to six weeks. Visits are short, though, so people who are unsteady, confused or need help at night often need more support in the first weeks.

Setting up live-in care for discharge day

  • Call us on 0121 838 1717 as soon as discharge is discussed.
  • We'll carry out a free assessment, which can happen while your relative is on the ward.
  • We introduce a matched carer and agree a start date that fits the discharge.
  • Your carer follows the hospital's advice and works alongside community teams.

Frequently asked questions

What if we don't think it's safe for Dad to go home yet?

Raise your concerns with the ward manager or discharge team. Hospitals should not discharge someone without a safe plan in place.

How quickly can you arrange care?

Often within days, depending on needs and carer availability. The earlier you call, the easier it is to be ready for discharge day.

General information only - not financial, legal or medical advice. Figures and rules change each year, so check your own situation with your council, the NHS or a regulated adviser.

Want to talk it through?

Talk to us for free, friendly advice and a no-obligation care assessment. Lines are open 9am-10pm, 7 days a week.

0121 838 1717

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