How Home Care Prevents Hospital Admission
For many older adults in the UK, the thought of a hospital stay can be daunting. Beyond the illness or injury itself, hospitals can be disorienting and increase the risk of infections. The good news is that many hospital admissions are preventable with the right support.
High-quality home care is a crucial service that allows the elderly to remain safe, independent, and healthy in the comfort of their own homes. For residents in Havering, understanding the benefits of care at home can be the key to avoiding unnecessary hospitalisation.
Proactive Care to Keep You Healthy
One of the most significant advantages of professional home care is the proactive monitoring of your health. A trained carer can spot the early warning signs of a potential health issue before it becomes a crisis.
Medication Management: A common reason for hospital admission among the elderly is incorrect medication use. A home carer can ensure that the right medication is taken at the right time, preventing dangerous errors. They can also collect prescriptions and liaise with your GP or pharmacist in Havering.
Spotting Red Flags: Carers are trained to notice subtle changes in health, such as a loss of appetite, increased confusion, or new mobility issues. By catching these problems early, they can arrange a GP visit or other medical intervention, preventing a condition from worsening to the point of needing hospital treatment.
A Safer Home Environment
Falls are a leading cause of hospitalisation for older people. Elderly care at home directly addresses this risk by making the home environment safer and providing support with tasks that could lead to accidents.
Fall Prevention: A carer can help identify and remove trip hazards in the home. They can also assist with activities like bathing, dressing, and moving around the house, which can be risky for those with mobility challenges.
Nutritious Meals and Hydration: Dehydration and malnutrition can lead to a host of health problems, including weakness, confusion, and a higher risk of falls. A home carer can prepare nutritious meals and ensure you are drinking enough fluids throughout the day, keeping you strong and healthy. For more information on healthy eating for older adults, visit the NHS website.
Do you need support looking after a loved one at home?
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Specialised Support for Long-Term Conditions
For those living with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or dementia, consistent management is key to staying out of the hospital. Live-in care, where a carer resides in the home, can provide round-the-clock support for complex needs.
Dementia Care: For individuals with dementia, the unfamiliar environment of a hospital can be extremely distressing. A specialist carer can provide consistent, person-centred care in a familiar setting, reducing agitation and preventing situations that might otherwise lead to hospital admission.
Post-Hospital Support: After a hospital stay, the risk of readmission can be high. A home carer can provide crucial support during this recovery period, ensuring that discharge instructions are followed, and helping you get back on your feet safely.
If you think you or a loved one might benefit from support at home, then contact Certified Care to arrange a non-obligatory care assessment.
NHS 'Hospital at Home' Services in Havering
Recognising the importance of home-based care, the NHS in North East London has developed innovative services to provide hospital-level care at home, further helping to prevent admissions.
Frailty Virtual Wards: This “hospital at home” service is specifically designed to keep frail older people out of A&E and reduce unnecessary hospital stays. A dedicated team of consultants, therapists, and nurses provides care directly in the patient’s home. This initiative has proven successful, allowing residents to receive the treatment they need in a more comfortable and suitable environment.
Community Treatment Team (CTT): For adults in Barking and Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge experiencing an acute physical health crisis – such as a suspected infection, a fall without serious injury, or a flare-up of a long-term condition like COPD – the CTT can intervene. This team of doctors, nurses, therapists, and social workers provides rapid medical support at home to avoid a trip to A&E
Finding Care and Support
If you or a loved one reside in Barking and Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge, you could benefit from support at home – there are local resources available to help you find the right care.
NHS Community Treatment Team (CTT): If you are over 18 and have a non-life-threatening acute condition that might normally mean going to A&E, you can refer yourself or someone you care for to this service. Referrals are also accepted from GPs and other healthcare professionals. The team operates daily from 8am to 10pm.
Telephone: 0300 300 1660
Havering Council: The council’s adult social care services can provide information and assessments to help you access the support you need. You can find more information on the Havering Council website.
Age UK Havering: This local branch of the national charity offers a range of services and advice for older people in the borough. Visit the Age UK Havering website for more details.
By investing in quality home care from a reliable care provider like Certified Care and utilising innovative NHS services, families in Barking and Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge can provide their elderly loved ones with the support they need to live safely and comfortably in their own homes, significantly reducing the risk of preventable hospital admissions.
Next Steps
Certified Care provides reliable and personalised home care and support in the comfort and safety of your home. Contact us today to find out how we can support you or your loved to remain safe and well in your own home.
Do you need support looking after a loved one at home?
Let our experienced Team help you understand your options.
There's no cost and no obligation.
Just a helpful conversation.
Useful Links and References
Here is a list of the useful links and contact details:
NHS Eatwell Guide: For official guidance on nutritious meals and maintaining a healthy diet.
NHS Community Treatment Team (CTT): For urgent medical support at home to prevent a trip to A&E for an acute physical health crisis.
Telephone: 0300 300 1660
Havering Council Adult Social Care: For official information, assessments, and access to local authority support services.
- Age UK Havering: A local charity offering a range of services and advice for older people in the borough.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Home care helps prevent hospital admissions in several key ways. A professional carer can manage medications to prevent errors, spot early signs of illness before they become serious, and make the home safer to reduce the risk of falls. They also ensure proper nutrition and hydration, which keeps the person strong and healthy. For those with long-term conditions like dementia, a carer provides specialised support in a familiar environment, reducing stress and preventing crisis that might otherwise require hospitalisation.
Yes. For situations like this, you can contact the NHS Community Treatment Team (CTT). This service is for adults in Havering experiencing an acute health crisis, like a fall without a serious injury or a flare-up of a long-term condition, that would normally mean a trip to A&E. A team of doctors, nurses, and therapists can provide rapid medical support at home. You can refer yourself or someone you care for by calling them directly at 0300 300 1660.
You should consult a doctor or therapist if you notice difficulty eating, a decline in progress, or signs of depression or anxiety. Regular check-ins with healthcare professionals ensure the recovery plan stays personalised and effective. They can also refer you to specialists like physiotherapists, occupational therapists, or dietitians when needed.
