Discharge to Assess Pathway 1 (home with reablement)
Pathway 1 sends the patient home with a package of reablement: short, intense support that aims to get them back to independence. It is the most common D2A pathway.
The short answer. Pathway 1 is for patients who can go home safely if a reablement team supports them for a few weeks. Visits typically range from 3 to 4 per day for the first fortnight, tapering off. The NHS funds the care, equipment and therapy for up to 6 weeks. If home turns out to be unsafe, the patient can be moved to Pathway 2.
What Pathway 1 includes
- Carer visits, usually 3-4 times a day to begin with.
- Occupational therapy home assessment within 48 hours.
- Equipment (hospital bed, perching stool, commode) delivered same-week.
- Physiotherapy if mobility is the goal.
- Falls assessment and pendant alarm if appropriate.
How the home assessment works
An OT visits within 48 hours of discharge to check the home for risks (steps, rugs, bathroom layout) and order equipment. The reablement team starts visits the same day. Notes are written into a shared D2A record. DHSC guidance ↗
What if Pathway 1 is not safe
If the patient is struggling, the reablement team can escalate to a Pathway 2 bed-based placement. This is not a failure - it is the system working as designed.
Frequently asked
Will I have to pay anything during Pathway 1?
No. Reablement is NHS-funded for up to 6 weeks. After that, social care charging rules apply.
Can family stay overnight in Pathway 1?
Yes. There is no rule against family staying. Some councils will pay a carer's allowance for the duration if you have to take leave from work.
What does reablement actually mean?
Short, intense support designed to maximise independence. It is not the same as long-term home care. The aim is to reduce or remove the need for ongoing care by week 6.
Last reviewed 2026-06-21. Clinical reviewer pending appointment (target Sep 2026); meanwhile reviewed by the editorial team.