The Settle at Home Project helps individuals aged 65 and over after they are discharged from hospital. While many patients are eager to return home, they often feel isolated, anxious, or unsure of how to manage on their own once back.
Our volunteers offer reassurance by visiting patients at home shortly after discharge, helping them settle in with confidence. We also provide follow-up phone calls and can direct patients to other services if needed.
How To Refer
Referrals will be made to the service by the discharge nurse. Patients, their family, friends and/or carers can discuss this with the discharge nurse if they would like to be referred for support.
Patient FAQs
What is the Settle at Home Project?
The Settle at Home Project helps patients return home confidently after a hospital stay. Our support helps patients continue their recovery at home and reduces the chance of being readmitted to hospital.
Who will visit patients at home?
A volunteer from North Tyneside VODA will carry out a one-off visit to the patient at home in the days following discharge. All volunteers have completed a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check to ensure they are suitable to work with vulnerable people.
What Volunteers Do
Volunteers assist with practical tasks to help patients feel safe and comfortable at home. This may include:
- Checking they understand and have any medication prescribed at the hospital
- Checking the fridge is stocked with fresh food
- Ensuring the heating is on
- Offering companionship, such as a chat and cup of tea
Volunteers may also:
- Confirm the patient understands their discharge letter
- Help arrange a repeat prescription through their GP
- Assist with an online grocery shop
- Check for any trip or fall hazards in the home
- Discuss other local services or social activities available in the area
If needed, volunteers can connect patients with long-term support from local voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations.
What if Family or Friends Can Help?
If family or friends are available to help, you may feel this service isn’t necessary. However, our volunteers can still assist with specific tasks, while family and friends handle other things. We understand there’s often a lot to sort out after a hospital stay.
Volunteers can also help you find long-term support services in your local area if needed.
Interested in Volunteering?
If you would like to be part of this amazing project to support people back home after a stay in hospital, we would love to hear from you.
Read the full volunteering role description and apply to volunteer via the button below.
For More Information
Contact our Settle at Home Project Worker
Kirstie Cunliffe on: 0191 6432626
or settleathome@voda.org.uk
