What is Intermediate Care?

Intermediate care is a short-term intervention to preserve the independence of people who might otherwise face unnecessarily prolonged hospital stays or an inappropriate admission to hospital or residential care. The care is tailored to the individual, rehabilitation focused and delivered by a combination of professional groups (Kings Fund 2002).

In East Lancashire we class intermediate care as any health and social care interventions which are typically but not exclusive to working with older people, who have had a period of illness, injury or surgery and need support to aid their recovery. The interventions provided should be aimed at speeding up the recovery process and promote the individuals ongoing health, wellbeing and independence.

Intermediate Care is delivered by a range of professionals in a variety of settings from Community Hospitals, Residential Rehabilitation establishments or within the service users own home. The focus is always to ensure that the people who use the services are receiving the right support, in the right place and at the right time. This approach not only ensures service user’s do not experience a delay in their recovery to regain their skills to maximise independent living but also enables capacity to be available in higher intensity services for those who need them.

About our service

The Intermediate Care Allocation Team (ICAT) provides a Single Point of Access to Health & Social Care  Professionals throughout East Lancashire, offering direct access to a range of Intermediate Care resources provided by both the National Health Service and Lancashire County Council, as well as other specifically commissioned services within the Voluntary Sector.

ICAT is a well established integrated team consisting of a single line Manager, Registered General Nurses, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Co-ordinators and Administrative staff. Professionals within the team triage referrals and make a number of recommendations and mobilise the right services based on the individuals current presentation.