Could you be a carer for a Wiltshire patient as they leave hospital?
The Council's calling on people to help them free up hospital beds
A new support service has been set up in Wiltshire, to help those medically fit to leave hospital to gain independence and build confidence to return home.
Shared Lives Home from Hospital will see local people signing up to be carers for patients for up to 12 weeks.
Wiltshire Council is working with health partners on a number of initiatives to ensure those medically ready to leave hospital can do so safely.
The new service aims to ensure people don’t have to stay in hospital when they are ready to leave, and will mean more hospital beds are available for those who need them.
People might need to stay with a Shared Lives carer while they wait for adaptations to be made at home to make it suitable, or they might require day to day support to continue their recovery, following medical conditions such as a stroke.
It would also be suitable for those who are learning how to manage a long-term condition and there is no one at home to assist them.
Carers will be self-employed and paid £850 per week, per person to help offer the service.
Cllr Jane Davies, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care said:
“Wiltshire residents may be in hospital when medically they no longer need to be there. Our Shared Lives Carers support people leaving hospital to regain daily living skills, fitness and the confidence to enable them to return to their own home or to somewhere that can provide the support they need long term.
“We need more Shared Lives carers to help us deliver this important service. The job is very flexible with carers able to work in their own home and fit around their family life. Shared Lives carers do not need qualifications as we provide training but should have a wide range of life experience.”
Shared Lives carers must be over the age of 18, but can be single or couples, with or without children living at home.