Why would someone use reablement?
There are many reasons why reablement might be needed and could help you get back to everyday life again.
For example, your mobility might be compromised after a fall, an injury, or an operation, making it hard to move easily around your home and do daily chores and tasks. An infection or wound may require specialised dressing and cleaning that you can’t carry out yourself.
The length of reablement care varies depending on the individual’s needs and progress, but is typically between four to six weeks. The care is personalised and tailored to each person’s specific needs. It could involve help with meal preparation, showering and getting dressed, or moving around the house. Physiotherapy exercises can also be integrated into the care programme.
How is reablement funded?
Funding for reablement care is usually provided by social services, and it is often preferred over long-term care as a preventative measure to avoid hospital readmission and to keep you as healthy, independent, and comfortable as possible in your own home.
Different councils throughout England have different policies, but typically, your need for reablement care will be assessed by the discharge team when you are getting ready to leave hospital.
Not everyone who is discharged from hospital will necessarily be referred for reablement care. You might have, and prefer families, spouses, neighbours, or friends to support you and assist with your needs. A social worker could be assigned to check in on you following discharge to see how your recovery is progressing.
The hospital will usually contact social services/the local council to request reablement care. Care providers will then be contacted and sourced by the council.
How long does reablement last for?
Reablement care can stop as soon as you feel ready, or could continue for longer than first planned if you need more care. Unlike long-term homecare, it is centred around meeting specific goals and outcomes – such as getting you back to the being able to wash and dress yourself, or being able to cook meals, or get to the shops comfortably.
Communication between care providers, social services, and the individual receiving care is important, to ensure that the care plan is effective and meets your needs. It’s important to know that you can advocate for yourself and request additional support if needed, by talking to your carer or social services.
The goal of reablement care is to improve your quality of life and help you to live independently following a medical event or operation.
Reablement care is not meant to treat individuals as ongoing patients. It’s short-term support to help you recover and to help you regain your previous level of functioning.
Learning more about reablement and accessing help
If you’re based in Hertfordshire, you can learn more by contacting us. Here at Ethica, we’re experienced providers of homecare across the county of Hertfordshire. We’re happy to answer any questions you might have – contact us by phone on 01442 501162, or by email at herts.team@ethicacare.co.uk. We’re open Monday-Friday 9AM-5.30PM and Saturday-Sunday 8AM-6PM.
For queries outside of Hertfordshire, you can contact our London office on 0207 1128186 or via email at team@ethicacare.co.uk.
At a national level, free, independent advice is available from Citizen’s Advice Bureau, which can offer advice and direct you towards relevant services. Nationwide, AgeUK’s advice line can also provide guidance and support 8AM-7PM, 365 days of the year on 0800 678 1602.
