Your Recovery After Being in Hospital for Older Adults

A Home First Approach 

People should only stay in hospital when there is a clinical need that can only be met in hospital, and at the earliest opportunity the person should return home, or to an appropriate community setting.  

Delaying hospital discharge is unlikely to improve physical or mental capabilities, may in fact worsen outcomes, and fails to recognise that people can continue their recovery at home. This is especially important for older people, who can become more deconditioned and dependant on others as a result of a hospital stay. 

Everybody should be supported to recover in their own home or community setting. The advice and resources within this booklet will help support your ongoing recovery once you leave hospital.  

- CTM Integrated Discharge Policy 2024