Carers' experiences of hospital discharge and continuing care in the community

This paper presents the findings of a study of carers’ perspectives on discharge procedures and continuing care arrangements for adults aged 18–65 with physical and complex disabilities. Interviews were conducted with carers of people discharged from younger disabled units (YDUs) and hospital settings. The emphasis carers place on the need to be informed and involved in the discharge planning process is described, and the adequacy of continuing care arrangements from carers’ perspectives is examined. The findings of the study raise issues for policy and practice about carers’ needs, vis-à-vis patients, to be included as active participants in the discharge planning process.