Corridor Care and Hospital Pressures: How Homelium Care Supports Safe Recovery at Home

Hospitals across the UK are under increasing pressure, and one of the most visible signs of this strain is corridor care, where patients are treated in corridors or temporary spaces due to a lack of available beds. While this reflects the immense pressures faced by the NHS, it can be distressing for patients and families, particularly older people and those with complex needs.

At Homelium Care, we see first-hand how delays in arranging care at home can prevent people from leaving hospital safely, even when they are medically ready for discharge. This not only impacts individual wellbeing but also contributes to ongoing pressure on hospital services.

Why Corridor Care Happens

In many cases, corridor care is not just about a shortage of beds, it’s about delayed discharge. Patients who are fit to leave hospital often remain there because the right support at home hasn’t yet been put in place.

Extended hospital stays can increase the risk of:

• Reduced mobility and loss of independence

• Infection and deterioration

• Confusion, especially for people living with dementia

• Emotional distress for patients and families

For many people, home is the safest place to recover, but only when appropriate care is available.

How Homelium Care Helps Support Hospital Discharge

Homelium Care provides flexible, responsive home care services designed to support people as they transition from hospital back into their own homes.

Our experienced care teams work closely with families, discharge teams and healthcare professionals to ensure support is in place when it’s needed most.

Our hospital discharge and home care services include:

• Short-term reablement and recovery support

• Personal care and daily living assistance

• Medication prompts and support

• Mobility and transfer support

• Companionship and reassurance during recovery

• Ongoing care for complex and long-term conditions

Whether care is needed for a few days, a few weeks or longer, we tailor our support to the individual, helping people recover safely, comfortably and with dignity at home.

Reducing Pressure on Hospitals Through Home Care

By enabling timely discharge and supporting recovery at home, home care providers like Homelium Care play a vital role in easing pressure on hospitals. When people can leave hospital safely, beds become available for those who need urgent care, helping to reduce overcrowding and the need for corridor care.

Home care also helps reduce the risk of readmission by ensuring people are supported with their daily needs, medication and wellbeing once they return home.

Care That Extends Beyond the Hospital

At Homelium Care, our role doesn’t end at discharge. We support people to rebuild confidence, regain independence and continue living safely at home, whether that’s through short-term support after illness or long-term care for ongoing conditions such as dementia or complex health needs.

We are proud to work within our local communities across Essex, Northamptonshire, Hampshire, Dorset, West Sussex, Surrey and Somerset, providing trusted, high-quality home care when it matters most.

If you or a loved one is facing hospital discharge or concerned about managing safely at home, Homelium Care is here to help.

Home care is not just an alternative to hospital care, it’s an essential part of the solution.

Contact us on 0333 3448 677 to discuss how we can help support your loved one after a hospital stay, or fill out our contact form