"Accommodation Search" Is The Wrong Approach for Hospital Discharges Your ideal property doesn't exist... yet! - Here's why: The 12-point NHS discharge plan makes "Accommodation Search" Point 7 of 12. That needs to change for people with complex needs. People with complex needs require bespoke housing solutions that match their specific requirements - not compromises based on what's available. This means custom-developed properties with carefully considered design features, sensory considerations, and specialist staff teams. The development timeline for these properties is typically 6-18 months. This includes: Property identification and acquisition Design and planning permission Specific adaptations and modifications Care provider procurement Staff recruitment and training But here's the opportunity: This development time aligns perfectly with other discharge preparation work. Whilst the property is being developed, teams can focus on: Building independence skills Community engagement planning Care package development Transition preparation Family involvement and support The key message? Don't start looking for properties when someone is "ready" for discharge. Instead, begin commissioning bespoke housing solutions from day one of discharge planning. This proactive approach prevents delayed discharges, reduces costs, and most importantly - ensures people move into homes that truly meet their needs. Let's shift from "accommodation search" to "developing the right home." The investment in time and proper planning pays dividends in successful, sustainable discharges. If you are working to discharge your most complex individuals from long-stay hospitals, I can offer a strategy call to help develop your discharge plan - covering everything from including PIE/TID in the property design to housing benefit negotiations. Due to the complex nature of these projects, in 2025 I will only have capacity to develop 5 of these extraordinary bungalows. To make it worth while, your authority needs: ✅ Ability to agree void arrangements ✅ Commitment to working in partnership ✅ Housing Benefit relationship to support enhanced rents ✅ A specialist provider framework or ability to spot purchase DM me "Extraordinary" to book a call with me. Limited to 5 local authorities only. Speak soon, Daniel
2 comments: Wouldn't it be great if we could use a term other than "discharge" - it is such a negative word! The other point is that the property needs to be safe from a fire safety perspective as well. There are too many bedbound patients being returned home and then dying in a fire because they couldn't escape.
Even where adaptations are not required, the shortage of available (and suitable) accommodation means that the ”Accommodation search”, should be at number 2 on this list, and pre-agreed funding in principle for any package of care and support likely to be needed, should be at number 3.
Absolutely agree! 🙌🏻 We have found that prioritising bespoke accommodation to meet a persons needs and making this a key early stage of their discharge/move planning can make a world of difference. We have also sadly seen the way that housing delays and fitting someone into the wrong places can create a huge level of trauma to that person that will take years to unravel.
Very helpful we all need to be proactive when it comes to ensuring all aspects of discharge planning is personalised.
Totally agree the planning phase needs to be engaged earlier. It reduces the "surprise requirements" that delay discharges when patients are ready
Daniel you raise a really good point, in the way that we need to start looking at peoples holistic needs when leaving hospital! In order for people to succeed we need proactive planning, which includes tailored support and accommodation to each individual. Which requires a joined up approach and advance planning to get the best outcomes for people.
Absolutely spot on 👏🏽. Don’t make the resident fit the property. Make the property fit for purpose for the resident. Purpose built accommadation takes time to develop or build.
I agree wish everyone would start to discharges this way. Working with great developers to make the property for the individual. And tailor make the package of care.
Insightful
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2moIn truth planning discharges is nota serial process ie a series of defind steps or actions but a number of parallel processes of which developing the right accommodation is one. Unfortunately community services can be shut out once an individual is admitted to hospital. If community services were engaged with in patient services, maintaining contact with the individual then I am convinced admissions would be shorter in time and discharges more successful.