Where to start - single parent has dimentia

Primrose

Can you please help me to advise a friend whose elderly mother lives alone 350 miles away and is suffering from dimentia. It has reached the stage where she probably needs residential care as she no longer has a carer who helps her at home.
Who does she contact, in what order, to get help and advice?
What agencies will be involved?
How does she go about finding a suitable care home?
How does she find out her mother's entitlement to funding/allowances, etc.
All your collective experiences would be very helpful. Thanks.

Norma_Desmond

The Mother's GP is the starting point; has she actually been diagnosed with dementia?
If so, Social Services will arrange an assessment to see what her care needs are - this can involve a stay in an EMI ward to record her behaviours and any medication that may be needed.
The ward will then arrange a care package either in the mother's home, or they will suggest that long term care is involved in a nursing home.
The local authority will have a list of suitable homes as will SS, and both will help with sorting out her entitlement for funding (if any!).
We went mainly with word of mouth when choosing my father's nursing home, but you can also check 'ratings' on the Care Homes Inspectorate website.
The whole issue of dementia care is a real minefield and totally heartbreaking - I wish your friend and her mother well.

Errata

Lots of information here http://www.csci.org.uk/about_us/publications/social_care_choosing_the_righ.aspx

and here http://www.barchester.com/Care-home-guide

AussieLass

Your friend's mother really shouldn't be left in her home by herself atm. She would be better off living with your friend until they can place her in a care facility. They aren't able to look after themselves properly & can do very unsafe things around the house.

It's a heartbreaking disease and I hope they find a cure very soon. Best wishes to your friend.

whatatwit

Primrose, have a look on the Silver Savers board further down the forums. There are a couple of threads about this and also about what funding is available.