Age UK West Sussex Brighton and Hove

Support at Home After Hospital Service – SaHaH

If you need support at home after hospital and are worried about coming home when discharged or if you know you are going into hospital soon, Age UK West Sussex Brighton and Hove’s SaHaH service may be able to help.

SaHaH service is available for:

• Adults over 65 years of age who live alone and who have low-level support needs.
• Family or friend carers aged 18+ who have been in hospital themselves or those who cared for have just come out of the hospital.

Vulnerable people can be referred by friends or relatives, hospital and healthcare teams or even self-refer. Support can help them manage for the first few weeks once they come home.

Even if you have already planned home help or personal care, the SaHaH volunteer could:

• Pop in for a chat.
• Support you to do the things you did before your hospital stay.
• Help you to get your prescriptions and shopping.
• Support you to attend your hospital or doctor’s appointment.
• Provide information on other services and liaise on your behalf.
• Help you with your caring role e.g., sitting with the cared for or getting you support.

You can have an over-the-phone assessment or you can be visited to make sure you are safe within your first week home from the hospital. Age UK can arrange for one of their volunteers to visit for up to 6 weeks following your discharge from the hospital. They will support you to regain your confidence and independence. They can also provide practical support to carers or the person they look after. All of their volunteers have an enhanced DBS check, references and ongoing support and training.

Age UK also welcomes enquiries for volunteers to work within the SAHAH service – particularly in Mid Sussex locations. Please do give them a call if you are able to offer some regular time as a volunteer for a few hours a week for this fantastic service.

Contact SaHaH and speak to one of our helpful team on 01903 717130 or email supportathomeafterhospital@ageukwsbh.org.uk and for more information visit www.ageukwsbh.org.uk