After a prolonged hospital stay following multiple strokes, AN faced challenges settling back at home. Our Hospital Discharge Team provided practical and emotional support to ease his transition and reconnect him with familiar services.

Our Hospital Discharge Team was contacted to support AN, a 64-year-old man who had returned home just a day earlier following an extended hospital stay. A member of the Stroke Early Discharge Service (EDS) expressed concerns about how AN would manage at home and asked if one of our team could accompany them on a joint visit.

AN had previously suffered a stroke over a year ago, from which he had made a good recovery. However, in January this year, he was readmitted to hospital after experiencing another stroke that affected the opposite side of his body (his right side). During his hospital stay, he unfortunately suffered two further strokes, significantly extending his recovery time and complicating his discharge plans.

When we met with AN, one of his main concerns was that his mobile phone had become unusable while he was in hospital. His SIM card had been deactivated due to the 2G network being discontinued. With AN's consent, we contacted his mobile provider, explained the situation, and emphasised the importance of him having a working phone - particularly for staying in touch with family, carers, and health professionals. A new SIM card was arranged, and we were advised that his handset would also need updating before the 3G network is switched off later this year.

We offered to accompany AN to a local shop to purchase a new phone, but he preferred to wait until one of our support workers - whom he was already familiar with from previous support - could take him when he felt more settled at home.

During the visit, we also spent time explaining the support we could offer him going forward and ensured he had everything he needed for the time being. Before leaving, we checked he was comfortable, had no immediate needs, and felt safe.

Upon reviewing our records, we confirmed that AN had previously been supported by our team following his first stroke. This continuity of care means our support workers already have a relationship with him, which will help provide reassurance and a smoother experience as he adjusts to life back at home. To find out more about our Hospital Discharge services click here.