Access to social services care for the elderly

dieselhead

My Grandfather is blind, and my grandmother is his carer. Two weeks ago my Grandmother had to have open heart surgery which will require a long stay in hospital, along with a long period of recovery. My father and the rest of the family have been travelling long distances and using up their holiday to care for my grandfather while my grandmother is in hospital. However their holidays are running out and it is clear that when my grandmother arrives home both will require care until she is back on her feet, the family between them are running out of holiday to care for them.

My father is going to try to contact their GP to see if there is any way to get any help, but I am not sure if this is the correct way, in fact I am concerned that even though my father doesn't want to discuss medical matters the doctor will just refuse to speak to him citing Dr patient confidentiality.

So what is the correct way to get some help. Ideally they could do will meals on wheels as being blind my grandfather cannot cook, and they could do with a home help, to help with basic household tasks.

TurnaroundSue

Hi my mum is in a similar postion. She has an aunt living with her after her uncle had a fall and has ended up in hospital. My mum has been doing all the taking to hospital for visits, looking after her aunt and the worry that comes with it. My mum is due to go on holiday in 2 weeks time and is worried sick about who will look after her aunt. She has contacted a couple of local social services homes in her area and even though one said they could help, they are full up.

I have told my mum to contact social services and see where she stands - I mean, if my mum wasn't able to look after her aunt, what would have happened to her then? It is equally made hard as my aunt and uncle are very private people where finances are concerned and my mum is worried of bringing this up for fear that they think she is after their money; but obviously social services will need to know what their finances are like to see if they have to pay for things or if they are entitled to any benefits.

Sorry I can't be of much help, but I would see what your local social services can do for your grandfather and see what he is entitled to. Good luck, I wish you well in what seems to be a rather difficult situation for those who have people who are able to help their loved ones!

BitterAndTwisted

I can't think of any reason in the world why your grandparents' GP wouldn't be willing to discuss the situation with family members. The confidentiality is all about discussing their actual conditions etcetera not their care.

Make an appointment to talk to the GP on the phone and get in touch with SS at your grandparents' local authority asap as they may need to do a formal assessment and have time to put measures in place before Granny is discharged. I think you might be able to get these resources sourced at the hospital as well. Phone them up on the ward and see what they say

Mojisola

You don't need to go through the GP to get help from Social Services. Contact the local team for older people and ask for help. Both your grandparents should have an assessment for their own needs. Emphasise that the matter is urgent or it may take ages for them to visit. Try to arrange for a family member to be there when they come. Older people often make light of their problems and tell others that they can manage everything on their own!

Talk to PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) at the hospital. They will help to make sure she isn't discharged until everything is set up.

Your local Red Cross group may run a "Home from Hospital" scheme which will give extra support to your grandparents in the first weeks after discharge.

LondonDiva

Speak to the ward manager and arrange a meeting with the hospital's discharge co-ordinator pdq. The discharge co-ordinator will be the link between social services, GP & the home from hospital team funded by the local PCT.

In case you want more support etc, contact the GP & Social Services to alert them of the impending discharge and need for support.

Good luck