Returning from a hospital stay, illness or a fall
You may need short‑term support to help you regain your independence if you’ve:
- recently been in hospital
- had a fall
- experienced a medical emergency
Reablement
Reablement is a short‑term service that helps you get your confidence and independence back after an illness or accident. Support is provided in your own home.
Reablement can help with:
- washing and dressing
- moving around your home
- preparing meals
- building confidence with daily tasks
Staff work with you, not for you, and encourage you to make progress at your own pace. They may break tasks into small steps to help you build confidence.
Reablement is delivered alongside other professionals, such as occupational therapists, so you have the right equipment and techniques during recovery.
Home care – domiciliary care
Home care provides help in your home with tasks such as washing, dressing, preparing meals, and maintaining your safety.
To receive council‑funded home care, you will need:
The aim is to help you stay independent at home for as long as possible.
Step‑down reablement flats
If you are ready to leave hospital but not yet able to manage at home, you may be offered a short stay in a step‑down flat.
The flats:
- are fully equipped (hospital bed, level‑access shower)
- provide up to 6 weeks of support, including 24‑hour assistance
- provide a safe space to build independence
Care staff will also help plan your future housing needs. This service is free for up to 6 weeks.
Health‑funded beds and Luton Council commissioned short‑stay beds
Health‑Funded Bed (up to 4 weeks)
If you cannot return home because you still need more healthcare support, you may move to a health‑funded bed for up to 4 weeks. This is for people who need:
- close monitoring
- ongoing health interventions
Because this is seen as an extension of your hospital stay, it is free of charge.
Short‑Stay 24‑Hour Care Home Bed
If you cannot safely return home but your reasons are not health‑related (for example, your home environment is not suitable or you need more time to recuperate), you may be offered a short‑stay placement in a 24‑hour residential or nursing care home.
This type of placement:
- meets all your care support, and nursing needs
- is chargeable
- requires a financial assessment to decide how much you may need to contribute
Your social care practitioner will explain your options and help plan your next steps.
Inpatient or specialist rehabilitation
Some people may need more intensive rehabilitation in a specialist unit. Rehabilitation can take place:
- in a specialist rehabilitation unit
- in Luton’s rehabilitation beds
You may work with therapists and other health specialists, depending on your needs. Support may include therapy, treatment, advice, and referrals to other services as well full assessment of needs by your social care practitioner to support your discharge from the rehabilitation bed.
Assistive technology
Technology can help you stay safe at home. Examples include:
- pendant alarms to call for help
- fall detectors that alert someone if you fall
Go to technology to help you live independently
Equipment, aids and adaptations
The Therapy team can provide items such as:
- grab rails
- toilet frames
- kitchen trolleys
These are usually provided after an assessment from an occupational therapist or physiotherapist.
Occupational therapy services
Occupational therapists and physiotherapists can help you improve mobility and manage daily activities. More information is available on the Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS website.
Medical services
Community nurses may visit your home to support you with health conditions.
Services at Bedford Hospital and Luton & Dunstable Hospital are managed by Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Costs and financial assessment
Reablement, and rehabilitation are free for up to six weeks. A health‑funded beds is free up to 4 weeks.
If you need long‑term care, such as home care or a short‑stay care home bed due to social needs, you may be asked to contribute towards costs. A financial assessment will determine whether you pay:
- all of the cost
- some of the cost
- or nothing at all
Go to paying for your care and support