Better@Home

Our Better@Home service provides short-term support to people aged 50+ who have recently been discharged from hospital. This is a free service available to people living in Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf.


Many older people live alone or with an elderly partner or relative. After a stay in hospital the transition from hospital ward to home environment can be challenging, and additional support may be needed. Our hospital discharge service complements the services provided by other agencies and is able to liaise on behalf of the service user with other providers,


How can we help?

• Provide free ongoing support to help people adjust to life at home

• Support people to regain their independence and confidence

• Offer a range of services depending on Individual need

• Provide free information and advice on a number of topics


Support in action

Mrs P had recently been discharged from hospital following a heart attack. Before her illness she was an active member of the community, but her confidence had been damaged leaving her in low mood and struggling to come to terms with things.


Support Worker Andrea Parry provided six weeks of emotional support to Mrs P and was able to slowly rebuild her confidence. She achieved this by talking about what had happened and focusing on the amazing progress Mrs P was making. At the end of the six weeks her confidence was growing, and she was able to 

start attending the clubs and groups she had so enjoyed. 


Mrs P was so grateful for Andrea’s support, without which the road to recovery would have been much slower.


  • Who will decide what support is required?

    The Hospital Discharge Service Coordinator will visit as soon as possible after discharge and a plan of visits will be arranged. A discussion with the Coordinator and the service user will take place about what type of support will be required. This will be reviewed during the support period.

  • Who will provide the support?

    The support will be provided by trained outreach workers who have attended numerous training courses and will either possess their QCF 2 in Health and Social Care or will be working towards it.

  • How will I know the outreach worker?

    You will be contacted prior to your first visit and told the name of the outreach worker allocated to support you. All outreach workers wear an identification badge.

  • What support will they provide?

    Some of the tasks the outreach workers assist with include:


    • Assistance with bed changing and/or laundry

    • Reassurance and emotional support

    • Preparing light meals or snacks

    • Information/liaison with other agencies

    • Support to carers

  • What are the criteria for referrals?

    Referrals can be made for anyone over the age of 50 who has been discharged from hospital within the previous 13 weeks who:


    • Lives alone or will be alone during the day

    • Lives with carers who may need support themselves

    • Is frail, housebound, has poor mobility

    • Is deemed ‘at risk’

    • Refuses other support but is prepared to accept our service

    • Has any illness or disability

    • Is in need of emotional support

    • Is in need of help with day-to-day tasks

  • What is the charge?

    Our Hospital Discharge Service is FREE of charge.

If you require further information please contact our Community Outreach Services Team on 01443 490650.