27 August
At Mariposa Care we understand how difficult it can be when need for care arises unexpectedly, particularly after a fall, sudden illness, hospital admission or a change in a person’s ability to manage safely at home.
Families may have to arrange an emergency care admission or urgent care home placement with little time to prepare. Mariposa Care can support families through the process and help establish what type of care is appropriate.
What is an emergency care admission?
An emergency care admission is a situation where someone needs to move into a care setting urgently, rather than following a planned move arranged well in advance. This can happen when remaining at home is no longer safe or practical, or when a person’s care needs change suddenly.
It can also be necessary after a hospital stay when the person is not able to return home safely, or if a family carer has become unexpectedly unable to provide care.
An emergency care admission can involve residential care, nursing care, dementia care or respite care, depending on the individual’s needs. Emergency simply refers to the urgency of arranging care, rather than necessarily meaning that the person is experiencing a medical emergency.
When might someone need emergency care?
Whatever has prompted the need for urgent care, our focus is on understanding the individual, their circumstanced and the support your loved one needs to help them feel safe and comfortable.
Emergency care may be needed after hospital treatment, as someone may be medically ready to leave hospital but still requires support with personal care, medication, mobility or other daily activities.
Emergency care is also important when existing care arrangements break down. There may also be changes associated with dementia that create a need for emergency care. These could include changes in behaviour, mobility or safety awareness that can sometimes mean an existing home care arrangement is no longer appropriate.
How quickly can someone move into a care home?
There is no single timeframe for an emergency admission because it depends on the person’s care needs, the availability of a suitable room, and the information required to assess their needs.
Some urgent admissions can be arranged at short notice when an appropriate room is available, and the care home has enough information to determine that it can safely meet the person’s needs. A same-day care home admission is sometimes possible depending on the individual circumstances.
Need emergency care?
Get in touch with our team who can calmy talk about an emergency care admission and the best next steps.
Can someone go straight into a care home from hospital?
In some circumstances, a person can move directly from hospital into a care home rather than returning home first. This depends on whether they are medically ready for discharge and whether the chosen care home can safely meet their needs.
Communication between the hospital, family and care provider is essential so that there is a clear picture of the person’s current condition, mobility, medication and required support.
What happens during an emergency care home admission?
In an emergency care home admission, we may ask families to tell us about dietary requirements, routines, preferences, and any behavioural or cognitive needs.
Having this information available help us build a fuller picture of the person and how we can best support them.
On arrival, the person will be introduced to our staff, and their new surroundings, while their care needs are incorporated into their care plan.
What type of emergency care might someone need?
There are several types of emergency care available.
| Emergency Residential | Emergency Nursing |
|---|---|
| Emergency residential care is appropriate where someone needs help with everyday activities and ongoing support but does not require the level of clinical care provided by a nursing setting. | Emergency nursing care is for people whose health needs require nursing support in addition to personal care. |
| Emergency Respite | Emergency Dementia Care |
|---|---|
| Emergency respite care can provide support when a usual family carer is temporarily unable to provide care. | Emergency dementia care is for people whose dementia-related needs mean they require a specialist or more supportive care environment. |
What should families consider when arranging urgent care?
There are a number of practical questions families should ask when time is limited, such as whether the care home has experience meeting the person’s specific needs or if they can provide the required level of residential, nursing or dementia care.
They should also explore whether a room is currently available or is available within the required timeframe.
Families should also ask what information is required before admission and how the care will be funded. Families should not choose somewhere purely because it can offer the fastest admission, as the provider must also be able to meet the person’s needs safely and appropriately.
What if you are not sure about whether a care home is needed?
If you are unsure, you do not need to have all the answers before speaking with us. Our team can talk through what has changed and help you to understand the level of care that most appropriate.
There may be increasing confusion or dementia-related risks, and their needs might become greater than can safely be supported at home. Family members may also find the level of care their loved one needs is too much for them to manage safely at home, without the help external carers.
How Mariposa Care can help with emergency admissions
Across our care homes, we provide a range of care options, including residential, nursing, dementia and respite care, with emergency admissions available at selected locations. If care is required after a hospital stay, we can discuss the ongoing support needed to help make the transition into care as comfortable as possible for your loved on.
If you need to arrange care urgently, get in touch with our team who are happy to talk through your situation. You do not need to know the type of you believe is required, as we can assist with helping you understand all the options that are available to you.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, where they are medically ready for discharge and an appropriate care home can meet their needs.
Yes, respite or short-term care may provide a temporary solution while longer-term arrangements are considered.
The care provider can discuss the circumstances and establish what level and type of care may be appropriate.
