Medical attention and hospital trips

Sometimes the residents in our care homes need to see their doctors, whether for ongoing treatment or if they’re just feeling unwell. There may also be times when they need hospital care.

This section tells you what happens to your care home room, your fees and your benefits if you have to spend time away from the care home.

Seeing a doctor

If you feel unwell and need to see a doctor, we’ll make an appointment for you. If your doctor says you need to go into hospital we’ll make the arrangements and contact your nominated relative or friend immediately.

What happens to your room if you’re in hospital

Whether you can keep your room depends on how long you’re going to be in hospital. It’s usually fine to keep your room if you’re away for a short time.

If you’re paying for your care home yourself, your care home manager will let you know how your stay in hospital will affect your fees. (This is also covered in the contract that you sign when you first move in.)

If your Local Authority is helping to pay your fees, they’ll tell you how long they will continue to pay for your room.

Find out more about our terms and conditions

Your benefits when you’re in hospital

If you receive benefits, you or your nominated relative should let the relevant office know as soon as you go into, or come out of, hospital. Some payments may stop if you spend more than 28 days in hospital.

Advice and help with benefits and finances

Help and guidance

We’re experts and we’re here to help you.

For help and guidance on aged care advice, call our contact centre at any time (we’re here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) on 0800 011 44 04 or fill in our contact form.

Contact us – contact form