Housebound Patients and Home Visit Eligibility

Our policy

To ensure home visits are offered fairly and to those who genuinely need them, we follow an agreed definition of housebound. This helps us provide timely care for patients who cannot leave their home, while encouraging others to attend the surgery or local clinics.

Who is considered housebound?

A patient is classed as housebound only if they are unable to leave their home due to physical or psychological illness.

Who is not considered housebound?

A patient is not housebound if they are able to leave their home, independently or with minimal help, for any activity such as:

• Attending appointments
• Shopping
• Visiting public or social venues

If a patient can leave the house for these activities, they will be expected to attend the GP surgery or a community clinic for routine care.

How decisions are made?

• A clinician will assess whether a home visit is clinically necessary.
• Each patient’s situation is reviewed individually.
• Assessments consider physical, psychological and social needs.
• A patient’s housebound status may change over time. If their condition improves or worsens, it will be reassessed.

Why this matters?

Using the housebound definition ensures:

• Patients who cannot travel receive home care promptly
• Care is delivered in the safest and most appropriate setting
• Clinical time is used effectively, improving access for all patients