There’s No Place Like Home: campaign to help care for patients at home
Health and care organisations in Gloucestershire continue to work together in making patients and their families more aware of the benefits of recovering at home, just as soon as they are well enough to leave hospital.
The 'There’s No Place Like Home' campaign raises awareness of the benefits of recovering at home, and provides access to a range of support and is a joint programme between Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, One Gloucestershire (NHS Gloucestershire ICB) and Gloucestershire County Council.
Being in a hospital during a period of acute illness is the right place to be.
However, there’s lots of evidence that shows once that acute phase is over, hospitals are not the best place for recovery and rehabilitation where surroundings are unfamiliar, mobility is more limited and good sleep less easy to come by.
As part of the campaign, an information leaflet and checklist will be shared with inpatients, families and their carers raising awareness of the benefits of recovering at home.
Why there really is no place like home
Physical strength: If you stay in bed for long periods you lose mobility, fitness and muscle strength. This makes it harder for you to regain your independence. Getting up, dressed and moving helps maintain muscle strength and your ability to do things for yourself.
Rest: Good sleep is essential for a long and healthy life but it’s even more important when you're recovering from an injury or illness. Hospitals are busy places, often with patients and staff coming and going throughout the night and many patients struggle to get a good night’s sleep which can lead to sleep deprivation. There’s no bed like your own bed when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep.
Mental wellbeing: Being in familiar surroundings with support from your friends and families is one of the best things for mental wellbeing. Hospitals are unfamiliar and can be very confusing, which increases your risk of developing delirium (sudden confusion).
Infection: When you're unwell you're often less resistant to infections. We do everything we can to prevent you from developing an infection but the risk is usually lower at home where there are fewer unwell people under one roof.
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