Sometimes, people stay in hospital longer than they need to, because of concerns about their ability to manage at home. This service helps people to leave hospital as soon as they are medically fit to do so, by making changes to their home that make it safer for them and/or easier for family and other carers to support them.
If a person’s health and care needs put them at risk of going into hospital, the Cumberland Home Improvement Agency (CHIA) can carry out an urgent home assessment to see if changes at home can help to prevent an admission. This may include works to make it easier for family or visiting carers to support someone at home.
We will assess what works are needed. Examples of works under this policy could include:
- carrying out a home safety check and addressing any hazards identified
- preparing the home suitability for returning home from hospital
- installing a key safe so a family member, neighbour or carer can get into the house
- moving furniture and possessions to allow easy access in and out of the home, or so that a downstairs room can be used as a bedroom
- installing minor adaptations such as lever taps or minor repairs to make the home safe for the applicant and/or for carers to move around safely within the home
- other minor works necessary for the applicant to remain at home or return home
Cumberland Home Improvement Agency will work with the applicant / patient, their family and their health and social care teams to identify what is needed. We will also consider the needs of carers. If larger repairs are needed, CHIA will provide advice on options. We do not provide equipment but can provide advice and referrals to other services where appropriate.
How to access home from hospital grants
To access the home from hospital grant:
- referrals must come from a health professional and must be to support remaining in or returning to the home
- grants may be up to £5,000 maximum. This is not means tested, but the funding is discretionary, so the grant can only be awarded if funding is available
- applicants may be referred for a further grant under this scheme, but the Council will not normally award more than a total of £10,000 under this scheme in any three-year period
- funding will not be provided retrospectively