We are often asked about the definition of housebound, we’ve added a little information here to help understand the criteria.

What is the definition of ‘housebound’?

A patient is deemed to be housebound when they are unable to leave their home environment through a physical or psychological illness.

A patient is not considered housebound if he or she is able to leave their house with minimal assistance* or support. For example: unassisted/assisted visit to the Doctor, dentist, hairdresser, supermarket, social events or hospital outpatients.

*Minimal assistance would be described as a person who can leave their own home and travel to a clinic appointment in a vehicle such as a personal car, taxi or public transport adapted for their use (or not) and with or without the use of a wheelchair, either by themselves or with an escort.

Some patients may not be housebound permanently but rather are housebound temporarily following an episode of illness.

To avoid confusion any person who requires a specialist vehicle (Ambulance) or a two-person escort would be regarded as housebound. To avoid further confusion, a person will not be regarded as housebound because they do not personally have a companion to escort them to a clinical appointment.

If you would like information on local support services available to you, please contact the surgery and ask to be referred to our Social Prescriber.