When injured clients need more than legal support: The journey from hospital to home

Recovering from an accident or serious injury can be overwhelming. Alongside legal advice, many clients need practical help, reassurance and guidance as they adjust to what has happened and plan for the future.

At Ashtons Legal, our Client Support and Rehabilitation Service (CSRS) works alongside our legal teams to support injured clients and their families. The service helps clients understand their rehabilitation and care options, access the right services and feel more confident about the journey ahead.

For some clients, this support begins while they are still in the hospital. They may be worried about their recovery and how they will return home safely when the time comes.

How CSRS can help

CSRS can become involved early to help reduce pressure on clients and their families. The team can provide practical support, explain what may happen next and help make the move from hospital to home feel more manageable.

At an early stage, CSRS will carry out a needs assessment to help identify the support a client may need and help plan each stage of their recovery, rehabilitation or care journey.

Leaving hospital after injury

Hospital discharge planning is an important part of recovery. Every hospital has its own discharge policy, and clients can ask the ward manager or Patient Advice and Liaison Service for a copy.

Where someone has ongoing health or care needs, planning should start as early as possible. Before leaving the hospital, health and social care professionals should assess what support is needed and whether any short-term or longer-term care arrangements should be put in place. This may include intermediate care, reablement services, NHS Continuing Healthcare or local authority community care.

Types of support that may be available

Intermediate care

Intermediate care is short-term rehabilitation and support to help someone recover and regain independence after leaving the hospital. It may involve physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses or other health professionals. Support can be provided at home, in a community hospital or in a dedicated care setting, usually for up to six weeks.

Reablement services

Reablement services help someone rebuild everyday skills, such as washing, dressing or preparing food. Instead of doing tasks for the client, care staff support them to practise and regain confidence. Reablement is usually provided at home and is free for up to six weeks.

NHS Continuing Healthcare

NHS Continuing Healthcare is a package of care arranged and funded by the NHS for people with significant ongoing healthcare needs. A person must meet the eligibility criteria to receive this funding.

Local authority community care

If NHS-funded support is ending, or if a client is not eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare funding, the local authority may be able to help with ongoing care needs if the client meets the criteria. Support can be long-term and is usually reviewed each year. Local authority funding may also help with aids and adaptations at home.

Local authority funding is means-tested, so the client will usually undergo a financial assessment to decide whether they must contribute towards their care costs.

Why early support matters

An NHS discharge coordinator, sometimes called a ward care coordinator, should help coordinate the planning process. They are usually the key contact for the client and their family when discussing discharge arrangements.

Sometimes, however, discharge plans do not progress as smoothly as they should. A CSRS coordinator can help clients prepare for meetings, understand the support they may be entitled to and ask the right questions at the right time. CSRS can also attend discharge meetings to advocate on behalf of clients and their families to help ensure appropriate arrangements are in place before the client leaves the hospital.

Support beyond the legal claim

At Ashtons Legal, we are committed to providing high-quality legal representation alongside thoughtful, holistic support. The CSRS team works closely with clients and their families, so they feel supported throughout their time with us.

If any of the above sounds like we are talking about you or your situation, please get in contact with us on 0330 404 0777 or complete our online enquiry form.