Care after hospital discharge in London
Coming home after a hospital stay can feel daunting. Viola introduces vetted, self-employed carers who help with meals, washing, getting around and getting back into a routine.
- Usually within 48 hours
- Short or longer term
- From £20 an hour
Getting home, and staying home
The first few weeks after a hospital stay are often the hardest. Your loved one may be weaker than before, nervous about falling, or simply tired, and the house that felt easy to manage may suddenly feel full of obstacles. Families often have only a day or two’s notice of a discharge date.
NHS guidance expects the vast majority of people to go home after hospital, and many are offered reablement: free short-term support, usually for up to 6 weeks, to help them regain skills and confidence. A carer introduced through Viola can work alongside this, filling the hours reablement does not cover, or stepping in once it ends.
A suitable carer is usually introduced within 48 hours. You agree the arrangements directly with the carer, and we handle the agreement, invoicing and payments. Ask the hospital discharge team what support is planned, so you can fill the gaps rather than double up.
Signs extra help after hospital would be wise
- Your loved one lives alone and is going home weaker than before
- They had a fall, a fracture or an operation affecting their mobility
- They are anxious about managing stairs, the bath or cooking
- Family cannot be there every day in the first few weeks
- Reablement visits are short and there are long gaps in the day
- You worry about a return trip to hospital
How a carer can help after hospital
Settling back in
Being there on the first days home, warming the house and getting the essentials in.
Meals and drinks
Simple, regular meals and plenty to drink, which helps energy and recovery.
Help getting around
Support moving safely around the home, to the bathroom and up and down stairs.
Washing and dressing
Dignified personal care while your loved one is still finding their strength.
Shopping and errands
Collecting shopping and prescriptions, and running small errands.
Reminders and routine
Reminders to take medication, do exercises they have been given and rest when needed.
Partner carers support everyday living. They do not carry out medical procedures.
More than 1,000 families across Europe have found care through Viola
★ 4.9 / 5 reviews- 1,000+families across Europe have found care through Viola
- 160,000+hours of care arranged
- 4countries: the UK, Ireland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia
- 4.9 / 5average review rating from families
“It was great working with Viola, Jan made all efforts to get the right person for my needs and it worked out very well. I highly recommend Viola for home help”
“Thank you for the professional approach of Viola and the caregiver. Everything went quickly and smoothly.”
“The service is provided by very helpful and pleasant people. I have never had a problem where they did not have a solution. I have also always been very satisfied.”
Hourly, live-in or overnight care?
Calculate your weekly price
The hourly rate is always £20, regardless of the day of the week, weekends or bank holidays. Travel costs are included, and there are no hidden fees or additional charges.
Calculate your overnight care
Overnight care starts from £140 per night. The carer stays awake and available all night, usually from 10pm to 8am, and other times can be agreed. It can be combined with hourly care during the day.
Live-in care prices
Prices start from £150 per day. The final rate depends on the level of support needed, and we will confirm it with you before anything is agreed.
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How much does care after hospital cost?
Hourly care is £20 an hour, the same rate every day including weekends and bank holidays, with travel included. Overnight care starts from £140 per night and live-in care starts from £150 per day.
How fast can a carer start after discharge?
A suitable carer is usually introduced within 48 hours. If you know a discharge date is coming, get in touch early so everything is ready on the day.
Does this replace NHS reablement?
No. Reablement is free NHS or council support, usually for up to 6 weeks. A carer introduced through Viola can work alongside it or continue afterwards. Ask the hospital discharge team what has been arranged, and check nhs.uk for how reablement works in your area.
Can the carer change dressings or help with medical care?
No. Partner carers support everyday living, including reminders to take medication. They do not carry out medical procedures such as wound care, injections or taking blood. Those stay with district nurses and the NHS team.
Can we use care for just a few weeks?
Yes. Many families arrange care for the recovery period and reduce the hours as their loved one gets stronger. Some decide to keep a few visits a week going afterwards.
