State of Caring Carers UK State of Caring 2017 Report | Page 19

STATE OF CARING REPORT 2017
A number of carers also described people having to
stay in hospital longer than was necessary as a result
of appropriate care and support in the community not
being in place or as a result of poor care management
in hospitals. Carers reported that the person they cared
for could have come home much earlier and that
staying in hospital longer than necessary had been
detrimental to their wellbeing.
It was far too early, he was re-
admitted within days of his discharge
Overall, under half of carers (47%) said the timing of
the discharge was just right. Carers for disabled children
were most likely to report this (65%), whilst, worryingly,
those providing palliative care were least likely to agree
the timing was right, with only 35% reporting this.
It was right for my husband but
I was tired out trying to sort out
chores at home so I would have time
for him as he needed lots of help and
supervision with mobility
There was NO communication
from the hospital with me at any
stage. On discharge I received no
information about medication, a care
plan....nothing. I find it very hard to
cope as I feel voiceless
Mum was kept in far longer than
needed just because they wanted
her assessed by social services who
couldn’t do so for days. I felt that mum
was neglected whilst she waited in
hospital unnecessarily and that the
delay was adversely affecting her. In
the end I discharged her into my care
Our hospital staff were very
understanding and involved me
at every stage of my husband’s
discharge and made sure that I was
happy and prepared and that all help
that I may have needed was in place
before he came home
As a carer I was left to chase and co-
ordinate services and supplies to avoid
deterioration of patient health. I fear
for anyone being discharged without
help at home
They tried to discharge mum before
her assessment. Forms were filled in on
my behalf incorrectly. At no time was I
asked if I could continue to care for my
parent, my health was not considered
We were unprepared for the practical
requirements for the person’s
physical care. We needed much
more information prior to discharge
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