Older People and Unpaid Carers’ Experiences of Hospital-at-Home

Hospital-at-Home (HaH) delivers hospital-level treatment in the home, whether people’s own dwelling or a care home. Its intention is to replicate medical interventions available in hospitals in familiar and less distressing surroundings for older people and better coordinate care around the needs of the individuals and their unpaid carers. This study set out to hear directly from those most closely involved, older people themselves, the unpaid carers who support them, and the professionals delivering the service. Drawing on forty-three in-depth interviews, the research highlights both advantages and tensions within the model. Many participants described HaH as respectful, personal, and more attentive than hospital care. Carers welcomed the speed and attentiveness of the service but often found their responsibilities increased, sometimes to a challenging degree. Professionals valued the opportunity to work in a more person-centred way while also pointing to practical obstacles around risk, resources, and coordination with wider services.