The Home Assessment and Recovery Team (HART) provides short term, person centred support to help people remain safely at home and maximise their independence.
Within HART, we deliver two key services: Reablement and Discharge to Assess (D2A). Both focus on recovery, building confidence, and reducing the need for ongoing care where possible.
Reablement
Reablement is short‑term support designed to help people regain or build independence following illness, injury, or a change in circumstances.
The focus is on supporting people to do things for themselves rather than doing things for them, helping them live safely and confidently at home.
What reablement supports
Reablement helps people to:
- rebuild confidence after illness or injury
- relearn everyday tasks within the home
- find safe, independent ways to carry out daily activities
- make use of simple equipment or adaptations where needed
Support is tailored to what matters most to the individual and the goals they want to achieve. Staff work alongside the person, gradually reducing input as independence improves.
Discharge to Assess (D2A)
The Discharge to Assess (D2A) pathway supports people to leave hospital as soon as they are medically ready and continue their recovery in a more appropriate environment, usually their own home.
D2A provides short‑term support for people who can return home safely with additional input and assessment. The aim is to:
- support recovery outside of a hospital setting
- promote independence at home
- ensure any ongoing care is based on assessed need rather than hospital‑based decisions
How HART support differs from home care
Reablement and D2A are:
- short‑term
- goal‑focused
- designed to rebuild independence
Home care is usually:
- longer‑term
- focused on ongoing support with daily activities
Following reablement or D2A, some people may move on to other services such as home care, occupational therapy, or telecare, if required.
How support is arranged
Referrals can be made by:
- hospital discharge teams
- GPs or other health professionals
- community care services
If you are not currently in contact with services, you can contact the Early Intervention and Prevention Team
Contact information
- Phone: 0345 30 111 20
- Email: [email protected]
They can discuss your situation and arrange an assessment if appropriate.
Length of support
Reablement and D2A are time‑limited services and are regularly reviewed.
Support continues while individuals work towards agreed goals, with the aim of reaching a point where support is no longer required or where longer‑term support needs are identified.
Costs
Reablement and D2A services are free of charge.
If ongoing support is required afterwards (such as home care, telecare or equipment), any potential charges will be clearly explained before services begin.
National standards and guidance
Reablement services are informed by national frameworks including:
- the Health and Social Care Standards
- principles of self‑directed support
- Scottish Government guidance on preventative and community‑based care
These approaches focus on independence, choice, dignity and personal outcomes.
