Tuesday 30 July 2013

Upset

Darling uncle has been discharged from hospital and is struggling to make a cup of tea.  He is very stressed about how to make a drink.  I can't get over there.  I am ordering things and researching things, but I have no idea of what to do.   I am worried he won't be able to make himself something to eat, and the District Nurse isn't coming until tomorrow.  He has to eat, he is diabetic.

I don't even know where to start about researching things.  Off to find out where to start, to be at least a little useful.

3 comments:

Sarah Head said...

If your uncle is unable to care for himself he needs to get a social care assessment. As he has been in hospital he is eligible for two weeks free care from the reablemenet team and then he will be means tested to see how much his contribution needs to be. If he refuses to disclose his income he will be charged the full contribution. This should have been started before he was discharged from hospital, especially as he is diabetic. Ring the ward manager of the ward he was on in the hospital and ask if a complex discharge was planned for him and if not, why not. Ring the local Age Concern office and tell them he has just been discharged and cannot cope with cooking and looking after himself. Ask if they have a visiting scheme who can go in and sort a care package out until he gets on his feet again. If he's doing the "I don't want strangers in the house" routine, try and tell him they will help because you can't. If his health and safety are at risk, you need to ring the local social services adult team and tell them he is a vulnerable adult and needs a care assessment urgently. All these numbers are on the web, if you have trouble finding them, tell me his location and I'll find them for you. Good luck!

Morgan said...

WS - it sounds like you might need to get in touch with the district nursing service and ask them how you can arrange some carers to pop in several times a day for a short time in order to help him out....is that feasible? The nurses would be able to recommend local services and make sure they know it is urgent. Huge hugs, and wishing I was closer, as usual!

Wannabe Sybil said...

Thank you both for the help.

Sarah - that info is really helpful, thank you. He is reluctant to do anything about anything until he sees the District Nurse tomorrow. Friends and my youngest brother are rallying, but it isn't sustainable long term.

Thank you WS xxx