There’s no place like home, especially at Christmas. For those in hospital, getting back home isn’t just a comfort, it’s a vital part of their recovery. People heal faster and feel better surrounded by familiar things and the love of family and friends.

This winter, we need your help to make that happen. Hospitals are incredibly busy and every bed counts. If your loved one is medically fit to leave, you can help them get home quickly, comfortably, and safely.

How you can help

If you’re a family member, friend or carer, there are a few simple steps you can take:

  • Stay in touch with the hospital ward - Find out when your loved one is ready to go home.
  • Prepare for the journey home - Bring suitable clothing and shoes for their discharge. Organise transport, please remember that NHS-funded transport is only available for medical or physical needs.
  • Get their home ready - Make sure their home is warm and welcoming. Stock up on essentials like milk, bread, and tea. Check for any trip hazards like loose rugs or cables.
  • Provide basic support at home - Help them settle in, make a meal, or assist with washing and dressing. Pick up any prescriptions and handle small errands like food shopping.

By helping your loved one return home, you’re not just giving them the best chance at recovery, you’re also helping your NHS provide critical care to others in need.

Let’s work together to make this Christmas special for everyone.

 

Useful contacts

Wiltshire Farm Foods – ready meal delivery service

Tel: 0800 0773100

Website: www.wiltshirefarmfoods.com

 

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Services (ADSS)

Tel: 01474 533990

Website: www.alz-dem.org.uk

Email: info@alz-dem.org

 

Age UK Kent Rivers

Provide services for older people including Dementia Hubs, Wellbeing Hubs, meal deliveries, foot-care services, lunch clubs, befriending, respite support and domestic services.

Tel: 01634 572616

Email: enquiries@ageukkentrivers.org.uk

Visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/kentrivers/

 

Age UK Bexley

Tel: 0208 300 0883

Website: www.ageuk.org.uk/bexley

 

Imago – information, advice and support to acess services, equipment, telecare and benefits advice and befriending

Tel: 030000 111965

Website: www.imago.community

 

Carers First

Personalised advice and support for unpaid carers

Tel: 03003 031555

Website: www.carersfirst.org.uk

 

North Kent Adult Community Service – Community Coordination Centre – HCRG Care Group Ltd

Provide a diverse range of services in the community, for adults in the Dartford, Gravesham, Swanley and Swale areas. Services include: community nursing, community therapies, community wards and specialist community nursing services; such as respiratory, heart failure and diabetes, continence, phlebotomy and podiatry services in the community.

 For patients who have new/increased care or equipment needs

24 hour telephone referral service

Website: https://northkentacs.nhs.uk/services/

Tel: 0300 247 0400

 

Ellenor care and services, self-referral for pain/symptom control, psycho-social support for patients and families, spiritual support, complex end of life care and end of life decision making. (Adults, young people and children)

Website: www.ellenor.org

Tel: 01474 320007