We are a free service funded by Buckinghamshire Council to help support service users to regain independence in their home after time spent in hospital or a period of ill health or vulnerability. Our focus is to help prevent delays to discharge, the need for further health or social care support and reduce hospital readmissions by supporting with some day-to-day tasks.
This is a short-term, volunteer dependent service and can provide support for between 1 to 6 weeks following hospital discharge, depending on personal circumstances and level of need. Level of need will be discussed during a home assessment and length of service decided. Support usually takes place weekly with a visit or call from one of our volunteers. We must prioritise those who have the highest support needs for example, those who are unable to leave their houses and with no family, friends or alternative support. The Community Support Team accept referrals from all pathways including self-referrals.
What we do:
- Regular welfare telephone call.
- Shopping – cash will need to be available to enable this
- Prescription and Medication collection
- Light housework such as hoovering, dusting and changing bedding – Please note we are unable to clean bathrooms.
- Laundry
- Assistance with paperwork organisation
- Advice and Signposting
If you wish to contact us:
Community support number – 01296 256132 or email dischargesupport@ageukbucks.org.uk
Eligibility criteria:
- Patients must be 18+ and resident within Buckinghamshire.
- Must live alone or with others with reduced capacity to provide support.
- We are unable to accept referrals for service users that are in receipt of long-term full-time care i.e with live-in care/family or resident in a care home.
- Have no or low level mental health needs.
- Have no or low level manual handling needs, assistance of 1.