The Hospital to Home service, which helps people over 65 with the transition to normality after hospital treatment, has been declared a success since it was launched in January 2009.

The scheme is based at the Bradda Unit at Southlands Resource Centre and operated by Social Services Home Care team

So far, the unit has supported over 40 people and provided rehabilitation, which has enabled them to return to their own homes and regain their independence.

First of all, an occupational therapist or physiotherapist draws up a personal plan with the person of skills they will require to remain in their own home.

Typically, the clients of this service stay in the unit for between 2- 6 weeks and then receive an outreach service from the team for a short period of time when they first go home in order to ensure a smooth transition from the unit.

It is at this stage that other community services can be arranged such as home care and meals on wheels, according to the client's wishes. 

Bill Malarkey, MHK, member for Social Services, comments, "The scheme has proved very successful and has helped many people to return home following a hospital stay.

"The support provided helps people regain confidence and skills to live at home again.

"The service is a good example of how the Department is continuing to diversify in the range of services it offers to meet need as resources permit.”

The unit has also provided additional time and support for users recovering from surgery/trauma, which in turn has prevented them from having to go into residential homes or long term care.

It has also allowed earlier discharge from hospital, therefore freeing up beds more quickly and avoiding referrals to other wards for rehabilitation.

One user who benefited from the scheme says, "Nothing could have been more helpful or indeed happier transition from hospital to home than my stay here".

Maureen Cowbourne, Manager of the DHSS Homecare Service, says "The scheme has been highly successful and met the goals we set at the beginning.

"Not only has the service met the needs of older people, but it has also been an excellent example of integrated working.

"The team have been presented with some challenges along the way but have dealt with them superbly and used them in a positive way to enhance and develop the unit.

"We have recently increased the team by using existing resources which will enable us to support more service users which is another step in the right direction".

Hospital Social Worker Fiona Sargent concludes, "All the people referred have benefited hugely from the care and support they have received.

"It has given them time to regain their confidence and skills to ease them back into living independently at home.

"Feedback from clients has always been positive and they are keen to spread the word about the unit’s work.

"We now need this highly effective intermediate care to be available Island-wide."