Intermediate Care

What intermediate care is, what the service involves and other frequently asked questions. 

By offering a number of intermediate beds in Montrose and Renfrew Care Homes, we aim to help maximise people's rehabilitation potential and slow decline. The service will be available to a range of older people, including those who may be clinically fit for discharge from hospital but who still require some assessment or rehabilitation.

This service will aim to reduce pressure on acute services and unplanned beds, which in turn will provide a better experience for older people moving through our care and support systems. 

We know that intermediate care can help shift the balance of care away from hospital and can reduce the need for alternative, longer-term care services, such as home care, or permanent admission to a care home.  

• What is intermediate care?
• How is it different to other hospital or care home provision?
• Where does intermediate care happen?
• What happens when I enter intermediate care?
• What happens while I am in intermediate care bed?
• Which types of professionals might be involved in my care?
• What happens at the end of the intermediate care?
• Can I choose to stay in the care home for longer than my care plan accounts for?
• Support for carers

What is intermediate care?

Intermediate care is the provision of a short period of intensive reablement and rehabilitation for people who do not need ongoing medical input within a hospital - but who need more rehabilitation than can be required at home. You may also be admitted if you require a time-limited placement for period of assessment within a homely setting to determine your level of need.

How is it different to other hospital or care home provision?

This is a free short-term service and is a separate provision to permanent care home services. You will receive the intensive support from a range of community based health professionals, in line with the agreed care plan.

You will work with support staff under the direction of health professionals to achieve your rehabilitation goals and to enable you to return to your home or other homely destination. Care staff will help you practice doing things on your own to support your return home - to support independent living.

Where does intermediate care happen?

Intermediate care beds are provided at Montrose Care Home and Renfrew Care Home. This is a specific service provided separately to the permanent care home places.

What happens when I enter intermediate Care?

You cannot self-refer to intermediate care. You will be identified by those professionals who have been caring for you to make sure you are eligible for this service and that it is right for your needs. There will be an assessment carried out by a professional that will take your abilities, needs and preferences into account.

A plan will be put in place - and agreed with you and your family, or carers if you wish. As part of this you will have a planned end date for your stay to work around your care plan. Your move to intermediate care might happen quickly - sometimes within a few hours or sometimes within a day. You can ask questions at any point.

What happens while I am in intermediate care bed?

You'll receive support from a range of professionals to work towards the goals identified in your plan. The length of stay will be different for each individual, but usually between 1-4 weeks in Intermediate care. Your progress will be monitored by a team of professionals who will keep you informed at all stages.

Which types of professionals might be involved in my care?

Depending on your specific needs or medical requirements, there could be a wide range of professionals involved in your care. It will usually be provided by teams including nurses, social workers, doctors, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and speech and language therapists. Support staff will also provide daily care in the care homes.

What happens at the end of the intermediate care?

If you need ongoing support, you'll be given a plan for referral to another service(s). Information about other support available will be provided.

Can I choose to stay in the care home for longer than my care plan accounts for?

No. The intermediate care service is a time-limited, short-term service with the aim of having individuals return safely to their own home, or another specific homely destination. If you or your family feel that a longer term or permanent care home place is required, that would be assessed and planned for outwith the intermediate care service. Any stay longer than what is outlined in the care plan will incur costs.

Support for carers

You are an unpaid carer if you provide unpaid support and care for someone who has an illness, disability, mental health problem or addiction and cannot cope without your support. You might not see yourself as a carer, yet you might be helping with everyday tasks such as personal care or emotional support such as helping someone cope with the symptoms of a mental illness. There's a range of support available to help improve your quality of life and to help you continue in your caring role.

Contact Renfrewshire Carers Centre by email enquiries@renfrewshirecarers.org.uk or by phone on 0141 887 3643.