Everyone’s home care journey is slightly different, but when your loved one needs additional support to safely and comfortably live in their own home, the process of setting up a care package should progress quickly enough that it is ready to start as soon as it is needed.
This is particularly true when your loved one is being discharged from hospital; in some cases, they can only go home once they have a care package in place, and any delay in implementing care can also delay their ability to leave hospital.
Why is care sometimes delayed? What factors cause it to be the case? And what can you do to ensure your loved one gets the care they need as soon as they need it?
Why Is Care Delayed?
A delay in care is any situation where your loved one and any caregivers experience a delay in receiving the support they need or for a support package to reflect their current needs.
When such a delay leads to your loved one staying in hospital longer than they need, it is known as a delayed transfer of care (DTOC).
Care is not only delayed in a hospital setting, but this is typically where the delay is felt the most, as people in a DTOC situation often describe it as a type of limbo; they are well enough to leave hospital but not well enough to get home.
However, this is not the only reason why care is delayed; discussing care can be complex, and it can take time to reassure your loved one that home care will help make them more independent.
Finally, some progressive conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, take a long time to progress and become noticeable. The delays in diagnosis can also create a delay in getting suitable care.
What Are The Biggest Factors That Cause Delayed Care?
As care is complex, particularly when moving from the hospital back to the home, there are some factors which can affect how quickly a carer can be in place to take care of your loved one. Here are some of the biggest:
A Mismatch Of Support
In many DTOC situations, a major cause of delays is struggling to find the right support for more complex needs. Sometimes it becomes important to wait for the right care and support, rather than the first that comes along, in order to avoid readmission.
This can often be helped by talking to care providers and healthcare professionals as soon as possible, as this allows for a more seamless transition of care.
Delayed Assessments
A care needs assessment is a process involving doctors and carers from many different disciplines. It can be a complex process to ensure that your loved one gets the care they need.
The Need For Adaptations
Sometimes, a care package involves the installation of adaptations such as grab rails, outdoor ramps and stairlifts. These often need to be fitted and in place before your loved one gets home, and this can therefore cause delays in order to ensure that they return to a safe environment.
