Home care · After a hospital stay
Care at home after a hospital stay in Ringwood
Coming home from hospital and need help? Here's how free short-term support works in Hampshire, who to contact, and which of the 32 CQC-registered agencies covering Ringwood can help.
Agency data: CQC register · Updated 27 October 2026
In short
- Reablement is free for up to six weeks, whatever your savings, when the council or NHS arranges it after a hospital stay.
- Ask the ward for the discharge plan and a named contact before the person leaves.
- Hampshire County Council does a free care needs assessment if longer-term help is needed: 0300 555 1386 (out of hours 0300 555 1373).
- 26 agencies covering Ringwood are rated Good or Outstanding by CQC, if you want private care to start quickly.
What happens when someone leaves hospital
- 1
Before discharge
The hospital's discharge team plans what support is needed at home. Ask what's been arranged, when the first visit is, and who to call if it doesn't happen.
- 2
Free short-term help
Many people get reablement or intermediate care at home for up to six weeks, free of charge, to rebuild everyday skills.
- 3
Longer-term care
If care is still needed, the council assesses needs and finances. You can also book a private agency at any point, even while waiting.
Good and Outstanding agencies covering Ringwood
The Pines Home Care
Est. £30–£37/hr
Homelium Dorset
Est. £30–£37/hr
Your Life (Ferndown)
Est. £30–£37/hr
Helping Hands Ferndown
Est. £29–£35/hr
Green Lanes Projects Limited
Est. £30–£37/hr
Bridgewater Care
Est. £30–£37/hr
Home Instead East Dorset & Blandford
Est. £33–£40/hr
Dorset office
Est. £30–£37/hr
Newgencaregroup (Dorset)
Est. £30–£37/hr
Abbots Care Limited (East Dorset branch)
Est. £30–£37/hr
Ranked by CQC rating, then distance. Ask each agency whether it can start for a hospital discharge and how soon.
Questions about care after hospital in Ringwood
Is care after hospital free in Ringwood?
Short-term reablement and intermediate care arranged by Hampshire County Council or the NHS is free for up to six weeks, whatever your savings. If care is needed after that, the council does a financial assessment and you may have to pay some or all of the cost.
Who arranges care when someone leaves hospital?
The hospital discharge team works with Hampshire County Council and local NHS community services. Ask the ward for the discharge plan and who your contact is. If the person will need care at home, ask for a care needs assessment before they leave or soon after. The council's adult social care number is 0300 555 1386 (out of hours 0300 555 1373).
Can we arrange private home care to start straight away?
Yes. You can book a CQC-registered home care agency yourself and pay privately, alongside or instead of council support. Agencies near Ringwood can often start within days; ask about availability for a hospital discharge when you call.
What is reablement?
Reablement is short-term help at home, usually for up to six weeks, to rebuild confidence and skills such as washing, dressing and cooking after an illness, fall or operation. It is free and is arranged by the council or NHS, not booked privately.
Useful next steps
Recently inspected
General information about hospital discharge in England, not medical advice. Arrangements vary between hospitals and councils.
CQC register data (Oct 2026), reused under the Open Government Licence v3.0. The Care Panel is independent of every provider listed.