Discharge to Assess and Reablement Schemes

Summary

Unnecessary delays in discharging older patients from hospital is a systemic problem with a rising trend.  For older people in particular, we know longer stays in hospital can lead to worse health outcomes and can increase their long-term care needs. Wherever possible, people should be supported to return to their home for assessment. 

Definition of ‘Discharge to Assess’:

"Where people who are clinically optimised and do not require an acute hospital bed, but may still require care services are provided with short term, funded support to be discharged to their own home (where appropriate) or another community setting. Assessment for longer-term care and support needs is then undertaken in the most appropriate setting and at the right time for the person”

NHS England – Quick Guide: Discharge to Assess 

Findings

• 85% of clients stated they felt ready to leave hospital when they were discharged.
• Three quarters of clients rated the quality of care they received after discharge as either ‘good’ or ‘very good’.
• 85% of clients felt that their views were taken into consideration when the social worker came to talk about what help they might need.
• 85% of clients thought that the help they received covered their care needs at home.
• Only 17% of clients had been re-admitted to hospital in the past 3 months.