Imagine a world where our hospitals had a bed for everyone, where staff were abundant, and there were no delays for scans or specialist opinions. Hospital-acquired infections would be a thing of the past. Unfortunately, that's not our current reality. Our hospitals are bustling and busy, with staff constantly juggling tasks and scarce beds. This relentless pressure sometimes means that providing the very best care is challenging, despite the unwavering dedication and compassion of our hospital colleagues. They work miracles daily, but they can't do everything.
Being in a strange bed in a strange ward, surrounded by unfamiliar sights and sounds, can add to the confusion, especially for older adults who may already be disoriented by an infection. I can only imagine how terrifying it must feel to not know where you are, what time it is, or even who you are. But there's hope and comfort in staying at home.
Our Trusts have developed exceptional "Hospital at Home" teams that can deliver treatments like antibiotic therapy right in your home. We support these teams by providing the personal care you need. Our home help team can keep your house in order, change your bed, prepare light meals, and even walk your dog when you're not up to it. As you recover, your homecare team will assist in your recuperation, ensuring you have nutritious meals, a clean and tidy environment, and that you never miss a medication. As you start to feel better, we'll be there to accompany you to the activities you love.
We're here to help you remain as independent as possible. For many elderly patients, the best place to be is at home. Research shows that staying at home is less disorienting, reduces the risk of hospital-acquired infections, and can speed up healing. It makes sense—you're familiar with your surroundings, you have your possessions around you, you eat the food you enjoy, and you sleep in your own bed.
Of course, there are times when a hospital stay is unavoidable, but our goal is to reserve those stays for acute situations. We're here to support you at home, providing the care you need, when you need it, in the comfort of your own home.
Times have changed. Our hospitals have changed, and our population is aging. It's time to change how we deliver care to our elderly community. Sometimes, the best thing we can do for our loved ones is to help them stay out of the hospital.
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