We hear lots of stories of people, especially older people, taking up NHS beds in hospitals. That is all very regrettable, but older people often find out that they have to go into residential care of some sort after a spell there; perhaps after a sudden experience such as a debilitating accident or a stroke which limits their ability to look after themselves effectively.

Some will be able to be cared for by family but this requires 24/7 care, which even if a carer has all the time in the world, can be impossible.  As (Why is my relative in a care home?)  Has already said. I am a relatively young pensioner but in this context I am also a ‘child’ and such decisions often have to be made by a person’s spouse or children by the time that they are faced with the problem of what happens when the patient leaves hospital.

In my experience, even though the professionals concerned are doing the best job they can, their loyalties lye with the poverty struck NHS.  So the council’s social services are trying to free the hospital bed as quickly as they can, while the hospital social worker is trying to do the same.  Consequently the professionals imply that you have little time to make a choice about what is best. 

I just want to ask family and friends to remember that this process takes as long as it takes because there are so many aspects of making the best choice to be considered. 

Please take your time when looking around.  The establishment will tell you about homes where there are vacancies but temporary or interim placement is also an option while you look for your preferred home.  Some homes also are happy to place potential residents on their waiting lists.  Please don’t let anyone rush you into a decision that is not the best one you can make, regardless of if the patient will be self-funding or not!

Please remember that, if you are placed in the position of having to make a similar choice for a family member or friend, it is not their fault that the government has not made sufficient provision for more vulnerable elders.  So don’t feel too guilty about the fact that they are taking up a hospital space.  Make sure that you take all the time you need to be sure that they are placed in the best care you can find for them once they leave hospital – no matter how long that takes.