As NHS hospitals continue to face serious pressure from delayed discharges, Noble Live-In Care is calling for live-in care to be routinely included in London-based hospital discharge and care planning conversations.

“We know how hard NHS discharge teams are working,” says Kirsty Prendiville Lawes, Operations Manager at Noble Live-In Care. “But they’ve been left in the dark. No one’s properly explained the full benefits of live-in care, and how it could be the solution to the bed blocking crisis. That’s why we’re speaking up, to make sure this practical, proven option is part of every discharge conversation.”

According to NHS England’s most recent data (April 2024), one in seven hospital beds in England is occupied by someone medically fit to leave. Regional figures reveal the scale of the problem:

North West – 1,700 delayed discharges per day
Midlands – 1,500 delayed discharges per day
South East – 1,300 delayed discharges per day
London – 1,200 delayed discharges per day
The most common causes include delays in arranging home care packages (39%) and difficulties securing care home placements (22%).

“This isn’t about replacing existing services,” Prendiville Lawes added, “instead, it’s about adding another option that can ease delays, reduce pressure, support families and help people return home safely. Live-in care can do all of that, so why is it still being overlooked?”

Kirsty

Why Live-In Care Deserves a Frontline Role

Noble Live-In Care, part of CCH Group (The City & County Healthcare Group) ,the UK’s largest provider of home care services, is urging NHS Trusts, social workers and discharge coordinators to recognise the value of live-in care as a safe, timely and person-centred solution for patients leaving hospital.

Key benefits of live-in care include:

Faster discharges – can be arranged within days, helping to free up beds
24/7 risk management – includes medication support, supervision and fall prevention#
Improved health outcomes – reduces readmissions and supports complex conditions like dementia
Higher quality of life – people recover and thrive in familiar home environments
Comparable cost – often similar to private residential care homes, with greater personal attention (LaingBuisson, 2022)
Flexible funding – families using Direct Payments can top up to access live-in care
“Live-in care isn’t just for the wealthy,” Prendiville Lawes adds, “It’s a realistic, practical option for many families, especially those self-funding or using personal budgets. But it needs to be offered at the point of need.”

A Call for Collaborative, Informed Care Planning

Noble Live-In Care is calling on policymakers, NHS Trusts, Integrated Care Systems and local authorities to ensure live-in care is visible in discharge planning pathways, funding guidance and public information.

“Hospitals want patients home safely. Families want care that feels human,” says Prendiville Lawes. “Live-in care delivers both. It’s time to stop treating it as a footnote in care conversations.”

With health and care systems under growing strain, Noble Live-In Care argues that now is the time to embrace solutions that ease system pressure, restore choice, and support better outcomes.

“The system is overwhelmed, not because we don’t care, but because we’re not using every tool available,” Prendiville Lawes concludes. “Live-in care can be part of the solution. Let’s start treating it that way.”

For more insights visit :https://nobleliveincare.com/live-in-care-the-solution-nobodys-talking-about/