With December 25 just days away, Milton Keynes Hospital is calling on family and friends to help get their loved ones home before the holiday season.
Health and care teams are working hard to make sure vital care and support is given to those most in need, which includes ensuring those who are able to return home to spend the Christmas break with their loved ones are able to do so.
“Spending Christmas in hospital may be necessary for some, but many people who are currently in hospital could go home with the right support in place,” said Sarah Stanley, executive clinical director at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, "Not only does this help patients to continue their recovery safely at home, but it also helps to ease pressures on local hospitals so they can care for those most in need.
“Family and friends can help them to get home by making sure they can provide or arrange transport home, stocking up their fridge, popping the heating on and making sure their loved one has got everything they need to continue their recovery at home.”
Research shows that staying in hospital longer than necessary – especially for older patients – can lead to a decline in physical health and increase the risk of infections. For example, just one week in bed for someone over 80 can result in the equivalent of 10 years of muscle ageing.
People whose family or friends are currently in hospital can take some simple steps to help them come home and support their recovery by preparing the home for their return: making sure their house is warm, clean and stocking up on essentials like food and medicine and understanding their hospital discharge plans: providing support with medication administration and recovery requirements, including understanding any equipment needed to aid recovery and how to use it.
Offering ongoing support is also important - such as help with preparing and cooking meals, offering support to wash and dress, and ensuring they are engaging in any community visits and physiotherapy.
