Home from Hospital Role Description for Volunteers

To assist patients to settle at home on discharge following a spell in hospital

• To meet the patient at home following discharge, either waiting for the ambulance to arrive

or arriving soon after the patient has arrived home

• To check heating / lights are working with the patient
• To ensure milk and food is available for that day
• To ensure by talking to the patient that food will be accessible to the patient
• To make a cup of tea for the patient
• To assist unpacking belongings
• Complete falls environmental check, make recommendations and complete actions if safe and agreed with patient i.e. removing rugs
• To chat to the patient, putting them at ease and increasing confidence at being at home
• Identify with the patient if a second visit would be useful

To contact the volunteer coordinator if concerns are raised during the visit

• Patient is unable to transfer / mobilise
• Patient exhibiting confusion / physical problems
• No food is on the premises and no one apparent to purchase
• Issues re environment – heating / lights / water/ hygiene

Completion of second visit (or telephone follow-up)

• Check how patient coped over night - chatting with patient
• Making cup of tea for patient
• checking care arrived as planned – by chatting to patients
• Liaison with coordinator re referral to other agencies, Age UK