Introduction
When someone you care for is ready to leave hospital, it can feel overwhelming. At Carers Central, based in Luton, our dedicated Carer Support Workers, Levi and Sally, often hear from people sharing their worries about hospital discharge. Whilst it’s natural to feel anxious about managing this important transition, having a clear plan can make a real difference.
So we decided to develop a guide that is filled with practical advice based on our experience with supporting carers across Luton. We hope it provides the reassurance, understanding and essential tips you need to navigate this important time with confidence and care.
Remember, hospital discharge is a journey, not just a single moment and with thoughtful planning and preparation the transition will become smoother for everyone.
Three key things to keep in mind:
- You have the right to be involved in discharge planning
- Support is available both before and after discharge
- Taking time to prepare can prevent problems later
The Luton and Dunstable Hospital has a dedicated discharge team who work with patients, families and carers. You can contact them through the ward staff or the hospital’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS).
Before the hospital discharge
Our Carer Support Workers, Sally and Levi, know that receiving information early helps you feel more in control. Sally often reminds carers that they have a right to be involved in the discharge planning meeting. This meeting helps make sure everything is in place before your loved one comes home.
What to ask at the discharge planning meeting:
- What level of care will your loved one need at home?
- Are there any changes to medications?
- Will any specialist equipment be needed?
- What follow-up appointments are planned?
- Who should you contact if you need help?
Levi suggests keeping a notebook handy during hospital visits as this helps you keep track of important information and any questions you want to ask. It’s also useful to write down the names and contact details of healthcare staff involved in your loved one’s care.
The discharge team at Luton and Dunstable Hospital will assess what support might be needed at home. They should talk with you about:
- Any new care needs
- Equipment or adaptations needed for your home
- Whether your loved one needs rehabilitation support
- If you need additional help as a carer
Our team here at Carers Central sometimes hear from carers who feel rushed during discharge planning. Remember, you can ask for more time if you’re not sure about anything. The hospital staff would rather you ask questions now than struggle later at home.
Preparing the home
Our Carer Support Workers have advised many Luton carers on how to get ready for a loved one’s return from hospital. “Making a few changes before they come home can prevent problems later,” Sally often tells the carers she supports. Key areas to think about:
- Sleeping arrangements – they might need to sleep downstairs temporarily
- Bathroom access – consider grab rails or a raised toilet seat
- Clear pathways – remove trip hazards like loose rugs
- Easy reach – arrange items they often use within comfortable reach
- Temperature – ensure the home will be warm enough
If you need equipment or home adaptations, Luton Council’s occupational therapy team can help assess your needs. Levi regularly guides carers through this process and can tell you what support is available.
You might be able to get items like:
- A commode
- Bath board
- Walking aids
- Raised chair supports
- Hospital-style bed
We understand that paying for equipment can be worrying. Our team is here to support you by helping you explore your eligibility for financial assistance. This can be done by talking to one of our advisors or referring you to other organisations as needed, additionally The Disability Resource Centre has a retail shop in Dunstable where you can purchase second-hand equipment or rent a wheelchair. To speak to a member of the team please call 01582 470900 or visit www.drcbeds.org.uk
Getting the basics ready:
- Stock up on food and drinks they enjoy
- Prepare a downstairs area if stairs will be difficult
- Make sure you have enough medication storage
- Check heating controls are easy to access
- Have clean bedding and clothing ready
Remember, you don’t have to handle everything alone. If you need help preparing your home, let us know. We can connect you with local services and practical support in Luton.
Support planning
One of the most important things we tell carers is to get support in place before their loved one comes home, Levi explains ‘’Many carers we support in Luton try to manage everything themselves, but having a good support network makes a real difference’’. Professional support the hospital discharge team might arrange could include:
- District nurses for medical care
- Social care support for personal care
- Occupational therapy visits
- Physiotherapy at home
- Healthcare assistants
Our experience shows that understanding what support is available early helps prevent carer burnout. Sally often explains to carers that creating a simple support plan may help, here are some points to include:
Daily help:
- Which family members or friends can help on different days
- Times when professional carers will visit
- Important medication times
- Meal and rest schedules
- Local services in Luton
Coming home from hospital often means extra costs.
We can help you:
- Check what benefits you might be entitled to
- Get started with applying for Carer’s Allowance, if you’re eligible
- Find out about Direct Payments
Remember to think about your own needs too. “Many carers focus completely on their loved one and forget about themselves,” Sally says. “But you need support too.”
The day of discharge
Our team at Carers Central have had many conversations with Luton carers enquiring about this important day, and we’ve identified that a step-by-step approach helps keep things manageable.
Before leaving the hospital make sure you have:
- All new medications and instructions
- Follow-up appointment details
- A discharge letter for your GP
- Contact numbers for the ward
- Any equipment you need to take home
- Transport arrangements
Think about:
- How they will get home – hospital transport or family car
- Whether they need help getting in and out of the vehicle
- What time they will be ready to leave
- Having house keys ready
- Making sure someone is at home if needed
- Practical essentials
Remember to check:
- The heating is on if needed
- Fresh bedding is ready
- You have enough basic supplies
- Any equipment is set up
- The path to the bathroom is clear
- Your have all the important paperwork
Keep together:
- Hospital discharge papers
- Medication schedules
- Emergency contact numbers
- District nurse details
- Your local pharmacy number
“Remember to take things slowly,” says Sally. “The journey home and settling in can be tiring for everyone.”
First few days at home
“Those first few days can feel like a big adjustment,” Levi often shares with carers in Luton. “But taking one day at a time and knowing what to watch for really helps.”
When creating new routines try to:
- Keep a simple daily schedule
- Write down medication times
- Plan rest periods
- Note when healthcare workers visit
- Record food and drink intake
Signs to watch for:
It’s time to contact the GP or healthcare team if a loved one:
- Seems more confused than usual
- Has problems with medication
- Shows signs of infection
- Has difficulty moving around
- Isn’t eating or drinking enough
Keep track of medications:
- What each medication is for
- When each should be taken
- Any special instructions
- When prescriptions need renewing
- Side effects to watch for
Building your confidence
Our team often hears from carers who feel nervous about getting things right.
Remember:
- Take your time to learn new caring tasks
- Ask professionals to show you what to do
- Keep important numbers handy
- Trust your instincts
- Contact us if you need reassurance “Many carers tell us they feel more confident after the first few days,” Sally says. “But if you’re worried about anything, please call us. Sometimes just talking things through can help.”
Looking after yourself as a carer
“We often meet carers who are so focused on their loved one that they forget about their own wellbeing,” Sally shares. Here at Carers Central in Luton, we understand that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish – it’s essential.
Making time for you
Try to:
- Take short regular breaks
- Get enough sleep when you can
- Eat regular meals
- Stay in touch with friends
- Keep up with activities you enjoy
- Support for you
Others we can connect you with:
- Regular carer support groups in Luton, like our regular get togethers organised by Carers Central
- Other carers who understand what you’re going through
- Local wellbeing services
- Emotional support when needed
- Practical help
Remember where possible you can:
- Ask family or friends to help with shopping
- Use pharmacy delivery services
- Join our coffee mornings to meet other carers
- Request a Carer’s Assessment (if you haven’t had one) from Luton Council
- Book a one-to-one chat with our team
Carer reminders
- Tell your GP you’re a carer
- Attend your own medical appointments
- Ask for help before you feel overwhelmed
- Take time for exercise, even if it’s just a short walk
- Share your worries with someone you trust
Carer resources
“Having the right contact details at your fingertips can make all the difference,” Levi tells carers. Here’s a list of local Luton services and support that our team at Carers Central recommends keeping handy.
Emergency contacts and local services for carers in Luton:
- 999 NHS Emergency
- Non-emergency: 111
- Luton and Dunstable Hospital: 01582 491166
- Adult Social Care emergency team: 0800 4561673
- Carers Central support We’re here to help: Phone: 0300 303 0201 Email: carerscentral@drcbeds.org.uk Website: www.carerscentral.org.uk Sally and Levi are available Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm
- Luton Council Adult Social Care: 0800 4561673
- Pharmacy delivery services: www.directory.luton.gov.uk
- Occupational health dept: 01582 497226
- Useful websites NHS hospital discharge guidance: www.nhs.uk/hospital-discharge
- Luton Council care services: www.luton.gov.uk
- Carers UK: www.carersuk.org
- Age Concern Luton: www.ageconcernluton.org.uk
- Citizens Advice Luton: www.citizensadviceluton.org.uk
- Carers Central where you can contact Sally and Levi Opening hours. We are open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Call 0300 303 0201. Email: carerscentral@drcbeds.org.uk or visit the Carers Central website for a wide range of practical information for unpaid carers in Luton at www.carerscentral.org.uk
- The “I am a Carer” service is an online gateway to a wide range of support services for carers offered by Luton Council.
“Remember, you’re not alone in this journey,” Levi says. “Our team at Carers Central are here to support you with every step of the way. Even if you’re not sure what help you need, give us a call or send us an email – we’re always hear to listen and help in any way we can”. Email: carerscentral@drcbeds.org.uk
