Why do hospital consultants/my GP ask if I live alone?

[BrassCandlestick]

I have a few medical conditions and some injuries which combined, mean that I am facing a serious procedure and/or disability.
I realise that I've been asked quite a few times by medical professionals if I live alone.
I'm single; my adult son lives with me at the moment but he won't be with me forever.
Is the question so they can assess whether I'll be able to cope at home on my own? Tbh the whole thing makes me feel like crying because I've been told that the operation I will be having at some point will take up to a year for me to fully recover. I just don't know what I will do.

Last year I had pneumonia and was in hospital for a bit . The consultant was very firm that as I was on my own at home with children I would not be allowed home with no one to look after me. I was discharged to ex parents in law who I love and are local to spend a week with them while getting better. Kids went to dads. He was right tho as I really needed help with things but I cried at the time as it sounded so sad lol

To see if you have someone there who might be able to look out for/after you if you need them to, and so we know if there’s someone at home who you usually look after, who might need social care input if you were admitted.

How would they know who can do this though, without asking?

Even minor surgery can debilate you. Just having someone there to check on you, make sure you are eating / drinking properly and are taking meds and recovering as expected makes a huge difference.

Major surgery usually means you need help with personal care and mobilising too. It's also useful to have someone who knows about wound care and pain control.

Unfortunately in my experience the medical staff have only been checking the box with this question. Both for myself and when I’ve taken others to the hospital... Either way, there is no at home support offered.

ZOMBIE THREAD

How on earth do folk find these to resurrect them 🙄

They’re not checking so they can come round and burgle your house. They’re checking whether you’ll have care so the can release you. It’s not about ordering groceries. It’s about checking you can get help to get to the loo, have a glass of water, are fed regularly, are remembering to take your tablets, can vet you to follow up appointments, etc. If you don’t they are able to get support in place for you.