If you are going into hospital you may need help when you leave to continue to live in your home. If requested, a social worker from Family Services will look into what help you need and decide with you what services can be provided.

You can either contact Family Services before you go into hospital by telephoning Social Care Direct, find their details in 'Related Links'.  Or you can ask to see a social worker during your stay in hospital. The nurse looking after you will arrange this if you ask.

If you were receiving help before you went into hospital a social worker will arrange for this to be started again for your return home. If you were not receiving help or need more help than before, your social worker will ensure that a care package is put in place that will meet your current needs.

Help that may be available to you, from Wakefield Council, could include:

• Meals at home - Community Meals Service for more information click on the related link.
• Home Care for more information click on the related link.
• Day Care for more information click on the related link.
• Support for family members who are caring for you
• Self Directed Support - this offers individuals the opportunity to stay independent within their own home. 

It may be that when you leave hospital, you will need to go into a residential or nursing home until your care package is organised. We will always try to look at other options such as  before placing anyone in a care home on a permanent basis. You can also get advice from other organisations such as Wakefield & District Carers, find these in the 'Related Links'.