Selecting reablement models that best support people leaving hospital after an unplanned admission

When people leave hospital, they often need short term support in the community to help them regain abilities to wash and dress themselves, cook, shop or take part in social activities. This kind of support is called ‘reablement’. Reablement workers focus on doing activities with, not for, people.

We want to find out which types of reablement help people the most when they leave hospital. In stage one of the research, we will hear the views of people who provide and who have used reablement services in five council areas. Their views will help to help develop a questionnaire. We will also assess how feasible it is to conduct a larger study.

If it is feasible, the second stage will involve a survey across eight council areas and linking survey information with social care records.

We will use the information from survey and care records to establish which type of reablement is the best and for whom, and which is the best value for money.

Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, London School of Economics and Political Science 

School for Business and Society, University of York

Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, UCL