Ask before arranging paid care
Speak to the discharge team or council about the assessment and start date. A six-week limit is not a promise of six weeks of care for everyone, or funding for a privately purchased package.
MAKE AN INFORMED CHOICE
Reablement and short-term recovery support
Understand the service, how to ask for it and which practical details to confirm.
Can I get temporary help after leaving hospital?
You may be assessed for short-term support to regain independence after illness, injury or a hospital stay. Eligible intermediate care or reablement is usually free for up to six weeks, but the assessed plan determines what you receive and for how long.
Sources checked 10 September 2026 · England · Use this to prepare a discussion with your healthcare professional.
Make the plan work at home
Check access and payment
Confirm who assesses or refers you, the area covered, the first appointment and any charges. A directory listing does not establish that the service can meet your needs or start on your preferred date.
Your appointment and planning checklist
Connect the plan to costs and services
Compare the correct procedure or service, then check the provider’s current offer, referral route and practical arrangements.
Respite care costs
Published nursing care: respite stay fees average about £2,211 across 2 providers in our sample. This includes advertised guide or starting prices.
Fees, funding and cost planner →Live-in care costs
Elder lists a starting fee of £1,150 for introductory live-in care.
Fees, funding and cost planner →Confirm that the named service provides the particular therapy or treatment you need. Historical evidence does not establish a current place or appointment.
Sources and coverage
Prepared from the sources below, checked on 10 September 2026. This is general decision and practical planning information. The linked clinical guidance and your treating team provide the detail needed for your care.
From a choice to a care plan
Treatment options and decision guides
Understand the choices to discuss with your clinician, then connect them to costs, providers and recovery support.
Explore the guides →Getting a medical second opinion
Choose an NHS or private route, prepare the right records and understand what happens after another specialist reviews your care.
Explore the guides →Recovery, rehabilitation and support
Plan the help you may need after treatment: getting home, moving safely, everyday tasks, therapy and care costs.
Explore the guides →