"Hospital at home service is a game-changer!"

My elderly father, who lives in a care home had been suffering recurrent infections and his GP wanted to admit him to hospital for IV antibiotics. He has vascular dementia and although he manages very well on a day to day basis in familiar surroundings, hospital admissions are extremely distressing for him causing delirium and putting him at further risk of falls.

Hospital staff, whilst medically giving him the best of care, just don’t have time to make sure that he is eating and drinking and feeling reassured. 

The hospital at home team came into the care home, supported by the care home staff when necessary and administered IV antibiotics, got blood and other test results turned around within hours and generally gave him a five star treatment experience. They brought a pharmacist to review his medications and generally provided an exemplary demonstration of joined up care.

In addition, as a family member, they gave me a five star experience too as they called every day and updated me on exactly what was going on and there was a number to call if I had any queries. I can’t overstate the benefit of my Dad being able to stay in his nurturing surroundings whilst being given this level of medical care. 

Keeping him out of an expensive hospital bed and not requiring ambulance services too, surely must be a win-win.