SCIE media releases 2008

Advice from older people about hospital stays

04 April 2008

A new booklet from the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) offers advice to older people on what to expect when entering, staying in and leaving hospital.

'Helping you through a hospital stay: Advice from older people' is based on the experiences of older people who have stayed in hospital and then returned to their homes. SCIE worked with an advisory group of older people to find out what information they felt would be useful for others in a similar position. Age Concern and the Alzheimer’s Society were also involved with the development.

SCIE recognises that local information is vital, so they have made the artwork for the booklet available online. Organisations can download, personalise and print their own copies. It will be especially useful for information leads in NHS trusts, adults’ services social workers and providers of older people’s services.

Speaking about the booklet, Chief Executive of SCIE, Julie Jones, said:

“Going into hospital can be a daunting prospect and older people have told us that they would benefit from some clear, comprehensive advice on what to expect and where to seek further help.

“This booklet addresses the uncertainties and anxieties that many people feel before a hospital visit. It suggests ways that people can become involved in their own treatment and care, as well as the planning for when they return home.

“We hope that social care and health organisations will utilise this resource and that older people who read it will feel prepared for their hospital stay and more in control of their care.”

'Helping you through a hospital stay: Advice from older people' covers all aspects of the hospital stay including how to prepare for the hospital visit, essential things to pack, what to expect from doctors, nurses, social workers and other professionals. It will also be an invaluable aid for carers, relatives and friends.

Click here to download a copy of Helping you through a hospital stay: Advice from older people.

A limited number of preprinted copies are also available.

Media contact

Annie Goss | Media and PR Manager | T: 020 7089 7117 | M:  07739 458 192 | Email: media@scie.org.uk