Although based in a hospital setting, these social workers are still employed by the local authority.

Following a stroke, it is the hospital social worker who may be responsible for putting together a care package such as help getting up or making meals.They can also help when claiming for any benefits the person may be entitled to.(In some areas of Scotland this may be done by a community worker) The more complicated the need, the more they will be involved to ensure you have the services in place at time of discharge. There may be a waiting list to see a social worker for complicated care arrangements.

For more simple care needs (less than seven to fourteen hours a week) you may see a hospital occupational therapist or a community care or social work assistant who can also arrange some services for you.

A financial assessment is part of the assessment process. If the person is over 65 and lives in Scotland, they are entitled to free personal care such as washing, bathing and dressing. (Some local authorities may have a waiting list for funding the free personal care) In some local authorities they may also be eligible for a short period of care immediately after discharge from hospital which is also free.You should check what arrangements are in your local area by speaking to the social worker, occupational therapist, community care or social work assistant responsible for arranging the care. The person will be eligible for this free personal care payment whether they return home with a care package or whether their needs are met in a care home. The free personal care element may be paid directly to the care home and you should ask the social worker about the local authorities arrangement for method of payment.

The social worker may link with their community workers for follow up at home if the persons case is very complicated. If the person you care for is unable to return home, they will help you to look at options for alternative accommodation, adapted housing or care homes.