6 Weeks Free Care After Hospital: What It Means and What Happens Next

Leaving hospital can be an anxious time, particularly when you are told that care will be provided for free, but only for a limited period.

If you are supporting an older loved one, you may have heard about six weeks free care after hospital and wondered what it involves, who qualifies, and what happens when that support comes to an end.

This guide explains how the six weeks of free care works, how it fits into the NHS discharge process, and how families can plan confidently for what comes next.

What Is the Six Weeks Free Care After Hospital?

The six weeks free care after hospital is usually provided through NHS intermediate care, sometimes called reablement or discharge to assess.

It is short-term, NHS-funded support designed to help someone recover safely after leaving hospital, rather than moving straight into long-term care.

The focus is on helping people regain independence and confidence following illness, surgery, or a hospital stay.

For a wider explanation of discharge decisions and care planning, see Elder’s guide on how to arrange care after a hospital discharge.

How NHS Intermediate Care Supports Hospital Discharge

Six weeks free care after hospital sits within the Discharge to Assess process.

Discharge to Assess means that longer-term care decisions are not made in hospital. Instead, a person is discharged as soon as it is safe, and their needs are assessed while they recover at home or in another care setting.

This approach is designed to:

• Reduce unnecessary hospital stays
• Support recovery in a familiar environment
• Avoid rushed long-term care decisions

Intermediate care focuses on recovery first, with care plans adjusted once someone’s needs are clearer.

Why the NHS Provides Six Weeks Free Care

The six weeks free care after hospital is funded by the NHS because it is considered part of medical recovery, not long-term social care.

During this period:

• Care is provided without a financial assessment
• Support focuses on rehabilitation and independence
• The aim is to reduce the risk of hospital readmission

This funding recognises that many people need temporary support immediately after discharge, even if they may not need ongoing care later.

What Does the Free Care Include?

The support provided depends on individual needs, but may include:

• Help with washing, dressing, and moving safely
• Support with meals and medication
• Physiotherapy or occupational therapy
• Short care visits at home or rehabilitation support

The key aim is recovery. The care is not intended to be permanent, which is why it is time-limited.

Who Is Eligible for Six Weeks Free Care?

Eligibility is based on need, not income.

Someone may be eligible if:

• They are being discharged from hospital
• They are not yet safe to manage independently
• Their longer-term care needs are still unclear
• Short-term support would help them recover

During this period, the care is not means-tested.

An assessment is carried out by the hospital discharge team or local authority to decide what support is appropriate.

Is the Care Always Provided at Home?

Not always.

Six weeks free care after hospital may be provided:

• In the person’s own home
• In a short-term rehabilitation unit
• In another temporary care setting

The decision depends on mobility, medical needs, and the availability of local services.

How Needs Are Assessed During the Six Weeks

While the free care is in place, professionals may assess:

• Mobility and balance
• Ability to manage daily tasks
• Medication needs
• Safety at home
• Progress with rehabilitation

These assessments help determine what support, if any, is needed once the six weeks free care ends.

What Happens When the Six Weeks Free Care Ends?

This is often the most uncertain stage for families.

Towards the end of the free care period, a review takes place to assess how the person is managing and whether they need ongoing support.

Possible outcomes include:

• No further care needed
• Reduced support arranged through the local authority
• Ongoing care that becomes means-tested
• Privately arranged care at home

Is Care Still Free After the Six Weeks?

In most cases, no.

Once intermediate care ends:

• Ongoing care becomes means-tested
• Families may be asked to contribute to costs
• Private care may need to be arranged

This is often when families begin exploring care at home after hospital discharge, especially if they want continuity and flexibility.

Can Ongoing Care Be Arranged Before the Six Weeks End?

Yes, and many families find this reassuring.

Planning ahead can help avoid gaps in support and reduce stress. Care can be arranged to:

• Start immediately after NHS support ends
• Be short-term or ongoing
• Change as recovery progresses

Some families choose emergency home care for short-term reassurance.

Others opt for live-in care after hospital discharge, where a carer lives in the home and provides continuous support.

Planning Ahead After Hospital Discharge

The six weeks free care after hospital can provide valuable breathing space, but it is temporary.

Understanding what support is in place, when it will end, and what options are available afterwards can make a significant difference to recovery and peace of mind.

You may also find it helpful to read real family stories of care arranged after hospital discharge.

Key Takeaway

The six weeks free care after hospital is designed to support recovery, not long-term care. Knowing what it includes and what happens next allows families to plan ahead and avoid rushed decisions later.