On the advice of the nursing staff and/or doctors, it is advisable to have an assessment carried out by social service when the patient is admitted when the social situation at home is complicated. This assessment should ideally be carried out quickly, if possible within the first 48 hours of admission.

An overview of the patient's social situation must be made:

• Support: spouse/partner, children, other close family members, alternative support.
• Home nursing care, home care, physiotherapy, dietary assistance, alternative aids.
• Current situation of the accommodation (e.g. presence of stairs or elevator, etc.).
• State of autonomy.

In addition, the social service provides:

• Psychosocial support.
• Information about :
  • Allowances and social/fiscal benefits from the government, informal care premium from health insurance, maximum bill, etc.
  • The possibilities of home care services : help for families and the elderly, help with housework, help with household chores.
  • Home aids : walker, blood pressure monitor, adapted beds, personal alarm system, etc.
  • The possibilities of rehabilitation centers, accommodation and care centers, convalescent homes, short-stay services, etc.
  • Social service by the mutualities.

• If necessary, additional necessary assistance will be organized before discharge :
  • Start the application procedure for a residential care center, short-stay or rehabilitation center.
  • Request for a personal alarm system.
  • Organization of additional aid (hospital bed, etc.) or assistance (home care, family help, etc.).
  • Assistance with applying for compensation.
  • If necessary, notifying existing home nursing, home care or informal care.