Leaving Hospital? Here's How to Find the Right Care in Reading
Free, independent guidance for families and NHS staff navigating care home placement after a hospital stay in Reading.
Could the NHS Pay for All Care Home Fees?
NHS Continuing Healthcare can cover 100% of care costs with no means test. Many families don't know this exists. Get our free CHC Family Guide to find out if your relative could be eligible.
Understanding Hospital Discharge in Reading
If someone you care about is leaving hospital in Reading, this guide explains the discharge process and local support.
A patient declared "medically fit for discharge" has completed acute hospital treatment. They may still be recovering, but that can happen more appropriately in a care home or at home with support.
Discharge in Reading involves the hospital team, Reading Borough Council adult social care, your family, and care providers. Decisions often need to be made quickly.
Options may include care home placement, home care, or intermediate care. You have the right to participate in decisions and to ask for more time.
How Care is Funded in Reading
Care home fees in England work in three main ways. Understanding which applies in Reading helps with planning.
Self-funded care
If you have savings above £23,250 (or own property), you'll usually be expected to pay for your own care. You can choose any care home in Reading or beyond, and negotiate fees directly with them.
Local authority funded care
If your savings are below £23,250, your local council will do a means test and may fund some or all of your care. The council sets a rate they'll pay, and you may need to pay a "top-up" if the home you want charges more than this rate. Contact details for Reading council are below.
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
If your relative has complex or intense health needs, the NHS may fund all their care through CHC. There's no means test, no savings limit, and no contribution from you. Many families don't know this option exists.
It's common to feel worried about cost at this stage. Take time to understand which route applies to you, and don't be rushed into decisions you're not ready for.
NHS Continuing Healthcare Explained
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) offers fully funded care for people with significant ongoing health needs. If eligible, the NHS pays all care costs.
Eligibility is based on assessed health needs, not diagnosis. The assessment examines mobility, nutrition, continence, behaviour, cognition, and psychological wellbeing.
Assessment starts with a checklist and may progress to the Decision Support Tool. You can participate and request a CHC assessment.
Many families do not know CHC exists. If you think your relative might have complex health needs, ask the hospital discharge team about a CHC assessment. You can also request one yourself.
Questions to Ask Care Homes in Reading
There are 32 care homes in Reading, so you have options. When viewing care homes in Reading with limited time, these questions should be your priority.
Can you accommodate [specific medical needs]?
Be specific about medication, oxygen, catheter care, PEG feeding, or any other requirements.
How quickly can you admit?
Some homes can admit within 24-48 hours if there's a bed available.
What are your fees, and are they fixed or variable?
Ask whether the fee might increase if care needs change.
What's your latest CQC rating and report?
Look for homes rated Good or Outstanding, and read the full report on cqc.org.uk
Who will be my relative's named nurse or key worker?
Find out who you can contact with questions or concerns.
Can I visit at any time, and can my relative go out?
Understand the home's policy on visiting and trips out.
If possible, visit in person before deciding. If time doesn't allow, ask to speak to the manager on the phone and trust your instincts.
Other Support Available in Reading
Hospital discharge does not always mean a care home. Reading offers various support alternatives.
- Reablement services: short-term intensive support (usually free for up to 6 weeks) to help someone regain skills and independence at home
- Intermediate care: a temporary placement in a care facility or support at home while recovering
- Community nursing: district nurses who visit at home for medical care like wound dressing or medication management
- Home care packages: carers visiting at home to help with washing, dressing, meals, and medication
- Occupational therapy: assessment and equipment to make the home safer (grab rails, shower seats, raised toilet seats)
- Falls prevention services: physiotherapy and strength exercises to reduce the risk of further falls
Talk to the discharge team and Reading Borough Council about other options. Contact details are listed below.
Benefits and Financial Support
If your relative is self-funding care, make sure they're claiming any benefits they're entitled to:
- Attendance Allowance: £72.65 or £108.55 per week (2025/26 rates) for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care
- Council Tax exemption or discount: available if your relative's home is empty because they're in a care home
- Pension Credit: tops up income if it's below £218.15 per week (2025/26)
Check eligibility at gov.uk/browse/benefits
Care Cost Estimator
Average weekly cost in South East
Based on regional averages.
Source: Laing Buisson 2025 via PayingForCare.org
Care Homes in Reading
CQC Ratings
Care Types
Local Contacts
Hospitals
Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust
PALS: 0118 322 8338
Main switchboard not publicly listed. Contact via PALS.
Council
Reading Borough Council
Support Organisations
Citizens Advice
Free, confidential advice on benefits, housing, debt and more
Age UK
National helpline: 8am-7pm, 365 days a year
Ask to be connected to your nearest local branch for face-to-face support
Need to speak to a specific team? Many specialist services (discharge coordinators, IMCA advocates, hospice at home teams) don't publish direct numbers. Call the main hospital switchboard or council line and ask to be connected to the service you need.