Discharge to Assess Pathway 2 (bed-based reablement)

When the team thinks the patient can recover independence but cannot do that safely at home, Pathway 2 commissions a short bed-based stay (usually 2 to 4 weeks) in a care home or community unit.

The short answer. Pathway 2 places the patient in a care home bed for short-term reablement. NHS-funded for the assessment window (typically up to 6 weeks). The home is chosen by the commissioning team from a panel of D2A-contracted providers. Stay length depends on recovery and the assessment outcome.

Why Pathway 2 over Pathway 1

The team picks Pathway 2 when the home environment is not safe yet, the patient is more frail than Pathway 1 anticipates, or there is no live-in support. It is the bridge between hospital and home.

Which homes hold D2A contracts

Each council and Integrated Care Board (ICB) holds a block-contract panel of D2A homes. The list is not usually published, but you can ask the discharge coordinator for the names so you can visit if practical.NHS England D2A ↗

Typical length of stay

2 to 4 weeks is typical, with weekly reviews. DHSC guidance ↗NICE NG74 ↗ The patient can step down to Pathway 1 (home with reablement), step up to Pathway 3 (longer-term bed-based), or be discharged home without further support, depending on assessment.

Who pays at the end

At the end of the assessment window the funding source changes. If the patient remains in the home long-term, the means test applies. If the patient goes home, social care charging applies to any ongoing package. CHC Fast Track can be triggered at any point during Pathway 2 if the patient deteriorates.

Frequently asked

Can the family choose the Pathway 2 home?

You can express a preference. In practice the commissioning team picks from its contracted panel. If you have a strong preference for a non-panel home, a top-up may be needed.

Will the patient have to move again at week 6?

Often yes. If the assessment finds the patient needs long-term care, a permanent home is sought, which may or may not be the same Pathway 2 home.

Is Pathway 2 the same as a respite stay?

No. Respite is private and family-arranged. Pathway 2 is NHS-commissioned and follows D2A rules.

Last reviewed 2026-06-21. Clinical reviewer pending appointment (target Sep 2026); meanwhile reviewed by the editorial team.