Help From Social Services

Zebra

A couple of weeks ago my father had a stroke and is currently still in hospital.

It's become increasingly likely that he won't be able to return home, and therefore the family have arranged a meeting with social services to discuss the provision of care for him.

Before we have the meeting, I was wondering what assistance he/we are entitled to and what we should be expecting from the meeting - forewarned is forearmed!

My parents are not particularly wealthy but do have a small amount of savings and their own home, which my mother will continue living in.

notlongnow_2

Hi, sorry to hear about your dad. There are various rehab units that he may be eligible for in order to recover to the best of his current ability until he returns home.

Or are you looking towards permanant full time care? How old is your father?

Zebra

Thanks Notlongnow - we don't know if or when he will be able to return home - obviously that's a decision for the Doctors and medical staff.

My father is 85 years old, and this is his third stroke.

We don't know what type of care we are looking at, that was the reason for the thread, to see what sort of care social services may provide, and what (if any) they have a duty to provide, and what the financial implications for that care are.

mum-of-3

Is there a local carers association in your area, they will be able to brief you over the phone about what you are entitled to and help you may require. A lady from our local carers association even came round to our house for the meeting and knew the ins and outs of everything!

Zebra

Thanks Mum-of-3 that's a great idea, and something I'll look into, although I'm not sure that my mum would like a stranger in on the meeting.

mum-of-3

Zebra wrote: »

Thanks Mum-of-3 that's a great idea, and something I'll look into, although I'm not sure that my mum would like a stranger in on the meeting.

They have also helped us out on the phone, my first meething with the social services they were not there then my health visitor mentioned them. They came round for the second meeting- and the it was a great support she told us things the social worker had not and put a greater pressure on them to help out. Its all how the social services word things on the form and the carers association knew everything. They themselves now fund an hour a week for my husband to pay for a cleaner. They really are very resourceful and many have been carers of relatives themselves so know what they are talking about.
Good luck with the meeting!

Zebra

Thanks mum-of-3, I've just had a look on the internet, and there's a carers group in the local area, so I'll give them a ring on Monday - the meeting isn't until the 24th.

I've also found a phone number for The Stroke Association, so I'll give them a ring aswell.

notlongnow_2

Zebra wrote: »

Thanks Notlongnow - we don't know if or when he will be able to return home - obviously that's a decision for the Doctors and medical staff.

My father is 85 years old, and this is his third stroke.

We don't know what type of care we are looking at, that was the reason for the thread, to see what sort of care social services may provide, and what (if any) they have a duty to provide, and what the financial implications for that care are.

How long ago did he have his stroke? What damage has it done? i.e, can he talk/mobilise/any body weaknesses?

I see a lot of stroke patients through work although I do not claim to be an expert and can only advise what my Trust does (yorkshire).

Depending on the severity of the stroke once he has got over the initial recovery period...say...a couple of weeks for example, then as he is not 'ill' as such, then he no longer needs a hospital bed. He should then have a MDT meeting where all persons involved in his care will get together and discuss options... you should be invited to this.

Some people go back home, some go home with a home care package, some will go to a rehab centre for intensive physio/occcupational therapy intervention to get your dad to the best he can be. ( previously known as a convelescence home) Whilst he is in rehab the OT can do home checks to see what he would need at home i.e grab rails, commode, raised toilet seat, kitchen aids etc etc. so 'in theory' everything should be in place on his discharge. These places are good in that you can usually come and go as you please...no visiting hours amd should be a more homely environment.

Home care may be an option. In my area people have up to four times a day homecare. These range from 15min quickies to double handling full care.
Social worker can assess this and also see if your mum needs any help...but this cannot just be included with your dads care eg/well as they are here looking after dad im sure they will look after mum' They shouldnt do this, it is two visits and financially should be classed as such. Social worker will explain this and if they are entitled to financial help.

Another option is to opt for full time care. Either residential or nursing. Not all stroke patients need nursing care and be cared for quite well by care staff. Social worker can help with this and will do a complete financial assessment. I cant help you with this as I am not a social worker but they tell us to advise potential clients 'we cant take what you havent got and generally this rule has worked. So they wont leave your mum destitute. As for savings they have, Im not sure about this. last update I heard was that nursing care was about £450 p/week and residential care £280 p/week. This is a guideline only and obviously depends which home you chose.


Dont take the social workers word that a particular home is a 'good one' as no matter how much we would love to provide a 5* service to all, it is not possible and each home will vary from one to another. Ask around, ask relatives, ask the staff. Google the company(usually on the sign outside)

A lot of families want their relative to be at home no matter what. This is great but you have to consider that caring for someone 24 hours a day is bloomin hard work. How will that impact your life? can your mum cope? does she have health needs? But it IS possible. If you want him home then 99.9% of the time this iis possible so if you want to try this then dont be fobbed off..it CAN be done. We have clients who are bedbound/live alone/cant move/ etc who stasy at home because thats what they want.

Families also feel guilty and feel they have to justify their actions, please dont feel like this. You do what is best for you and your family but your dad will have to be in agreement if his mental capacity allows.

Sorry for waffling on, if I can help you I am happy too.

Good luck.

Zebra

Gosh thanks notlongnow - a lot to read there.

Which part of yorkshire are you from - my dad is from North Yorkshire.

I have been invited to the meeting on the 24th along with my sister and mum, it is principally with social services, although I'm not sure if anyone from the hospital will be attending aswell.

This is his third stroke in less than 3 years, and was two weeks ago. There was also a bleed in the brain, and it's the medical staff that don't think he will go home.

His speech doesn't seem to be affected this time, it was already slow from the first stroke, but he has problems with his vision, and paralysis down his left hand side.

We were also told that homecare would only involve 4 visits a day, and the nursing staff thought that wouldn't be enough, as my mum wouldn't be able to look after him on her own, and I don't live in the area. So it looks like it will have to be some sort of full time care until if or when he is able to return home. How long could someone stay in a rehab centre?

We do know a fantastic residential home that my grandma was in until she died last year, but I don't think they would be equipped for a stroke victim.

Whilst obviously my mum would like him home, I think she realises that it wouldn't be possible this time, and we just want whatever is best for them both.

Errata

We do know a fantastic residential home that my grandma was in until she died last year, but I don't think they would be equipped for a stroke victim

Check if it has dual registration, most of them have nowadays. If it has they will be able to care for him.

Zebra

It was only a small family run home, so I doubt it, but I'll check - thanks.