Introduction
The NHS and Social Care Services work together to help prevent people being admitted to hospital. This is when you have a short-term health need that could be met with support from a nurse and care provider in the community.
How it works
You will have contacted your GP in the normal way. Your GP will then talk to us to explore what resources are available and what we can help you with while you are not feeling well. It is possible that instead of admitting you to hospital you may be treated in your own home, or temporarily cared for in a care home. Social Care Workers and Health Staff will work together until you are better. They will discuss things with you to agree when your short-term help will end.
There is no charge to you for the care that is provided for the period of time that you would normally have been admitted to hospital.
If you still require social care services after your short-term care ends, this will be agreed with you and arranged. There may be a charge for this care, but you will be financially assessed before any charge starts.
Your usual care arrangements will be re-started when your short-term help ends. If you require an increase or reduction in your care, this will also be arranged. Any charges you paid before will also start again.
It may be that you go to a care home to be looked after to prevent you going to hospital. This will be for a short time, until you are feeling better. You will not be asked to pay for this. In very few circumstances it may be agreed with you that a residential home is the best place for you to receive care longer term. You will be asked to pay a contribution for long-term care based on a financial assessment. This will be explained to you.
If it is felt that hospital is the best place for you, this will be arranged and short-term care cancelled.
More information
Please contact your GP if you have a question about your health.
Contact Somerset Customer Services if you have a question about your social care. Phone 0300 123 2224
