People are being asked to rent out rooms in their home for patients coming out of hospital. The scheme, run by a private company, is being trialled in Stockport.
The initiative is driven by CareRooms.com, which is looking to set up a network of ‘hosts’ in and around the town. It is the first Greater Manchester borough to be considered for the scheme.
The hosts would be paid a rental income by CareRooms. Similar schemes rolled out elsewhere in the country have been dubbed 'Care B'n'B'.
Potential hosts will need a spare room and time for a cup of tea and a chat with their guests - whose stay can last up to 14 nights.
The hosts would be vetted, interviewed and DBS checked as part of safeguarding measures, CareRooms.com says. The company also provides a training and support package and claims it will only accept guests who are suitable for this type of environment.
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People can work flexibly around their existing commitments but are asked to serve three meals a day, which are provided by CareRooms.com. No cooking is involved.
The scheme aims to ease a huge nationwide shortfall in social care, which often means patients are unable to leave hospital because of a lack of suitable care in available community facilities, such as care homes and supported living facilities. In turn this backs up the hospital system, leaving patients using vital bed space when they are healthy enough to leave.
Lizzie Gaudin, chief operations officer at CareRooms.com said: “We are trying to help set up modern day convalescence in communities like Stockport where resources are being stretched to their limits. People lose confidence after being ill, especially if they have no support at home, or they may be younger and a nursing home with elderly residents may not be appropriate for that transition period between hospital and home.”
The service works closely with NHS Discharge Managers, doctors and nurses to enable everyone the opportunity to access it.
Lizzie says the short stays aid recovery by giving guests a boost in confidence that they need to return to independent living.
“For hosts, the greatest satisfaction lies in supporting others and offering companionship to create communities that care,” she added.
The latest telecare and monitoring equipment is fitted in the rooms to ensure guests’ vital signs are checked constantly, and there is 24-hour a day video access to a GP service. Those who need an element of personal care will have it provided by CareRooms.com or a local partner, the company says.
The scheme is being fully supported by Stockport council.
Coun Keith Holloway, cabinet member for health and adult social care said: "This initiative for Greater Manchester could provide an innovative way of helping those who need a bit of extra support when they leave hospital.
“Rather than having to wait for a short-term nursing home place to become available, this will be a less institutionalised way of supporting people during their ongoing recovery and where they can be cared for by a well-trained member of the community in a safe and secure environment.
“It will also ensure that hospital beds in Stockport can be used for the patients in the most acute need."
Those who are interested in becoming a host, or would like to find out more information, should contact 0333 121 2227 or email support@carerooms.com
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