It usually starts with a phone call.
“Mum’s being discharged tomorrow.”
No warning. No care plan. No idea if she can even walk to the bathroom. You’re expected to drop everything, rearrange your life, and somehow figure out how to care for someone you love with no manual and no roadmap.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Thousands of people in the UK face emergency hospital discharges every week. Some are planned. Many aren’t. This guide is here to help you find your footing in the chaos.
Step 1: Don’t Panic, Get the Basics
Start by asking the hospital for a discharge summary and a copy of any care plan (if one exists). You have a right to it. This will tell you:
What treatment was given
What medication they need (and when)
Whether any follow-up care is needed (and who’s responsible for it)
Ask:
“Will they need help with personal care, mobility, or medication?”
If the answer is yes, then you need support in place before they come home.
Step 2: Understand What Kind of Care They’ll Need
The hospital might refer you to social services, but you don’t have to wait around. Think about what your loved one can (and can’t) do right now:
Can they safely get in and out of bed?
Can they use the toilet without help?
Are they confused or forgetful?
Can they manage their own medication?
If the answer is “no” to any of these, it’s a sign they may need short-term care support at home or even live-in care, at least temporarily.
Step 3: Find Help Fast (But Don't Settle)
Speed matters, but so does trust. This is where services like Pairly come in. You can connect with available, qualified care providers near you in real time, without ringing around for hours.
Think of it like matchmaking, but for care. You answer a few questions, and Pairly helps find a carer that fits based on availability, location, and experience.
In urgent situations, some families find carers within hours, not days. That’s not just convenience, it’s peace of mind.
Step 4: Ask the Right Questions
When speaking to a care provider, ask things like:
Have you supported people just out of hospital before?
Can you help with medication and mobility?
What happens if my loved one’s needs change?
When can care start?
When can a care assessment be arranged?
The best carers won’t rush you. They’ll talk you through what a first day looks like, how they’ll keep you updated, and how to adjust care if things get better or worse.
Step 5: Prepare the Home
If care is starting quickly, here are some simple things you can do:
Set up a bed on the ground floor if stairs are an issue
Make sure there’s a clear path to the toilet or commode
Put medication in one visible, accessible place (If it is safe to do so)
Have a notebook ready to track visits, symptoms, and progress
Even small things like installing a nightlight or placing a chair with arms can reduce falls and increase confidence.
You’re Not Supposed to Do This Alone
Care doesn’t come with instructions, and it’s not always fair that families are expected to figure it all out overnight. But help is out there, and you don’t have to wait weeks to get it.
The most important thing? Take the first step. Ask questions. Reach out. Use tools like Pairly to take one weight off your shoulders. Because getting the right care, even in an emergency, is possible, and it starts with knowing where to turn.