Stroke survivor - about to be discharged - need advice please

clemintine690

Hi,

I've never posted before so apologies if i haven't followed the rules.

I'm really looking for some help - my brother, who is 47, had a severe stroke nearly 4 months ago. He's been in hospital (rehab ward) but they say he's probably made as much progress as he's going to. He is severely disabled (right side paralysis and has severe communication and swallowing problems. The hosp say the will discharge in about 4 weeks. The social worker has been very unhelpful and has said to my sister-in-law that as he has £26k he needs to pay for his care - this is ok in that we know that when his savings fall he can claim financial help.

But they are suggesting that my brother lives in a hospital bed in the lounge and uses a bowl or the kitchen sink for his cleaning and that a carer can come in for 30mins to help with washing. At the moment he has a catheter etc and i dont see that changing in the next few weeks - my sister in law is at breaking point as she doesn't see how she will be able to cope.

How can home in these circumstances be safe, suitable for him to return to when he remains so disabled. Any advice on what, or where we should get advice from would be really appreciated.

many thanks

The_Economist

Have you tried here. http://www.stroke.org.uk/

picasso2

Hi , i'm sorry to hear about the stroke , these must be hard times.How far on are they in the discharge process ?Has there been a home visit ? Has there been a care planning meeting yet? This should be set up to facilitate a smooth discharge and carers / family should be involved. This should give her an opportunity to say what support she feels she needs.

Have they outlined what services are available in the community , it varies from area to area but some places have comunity stroke rehab teams that take people after discharge.

People often live downstairs and i would hope the hospital bed would be provided as it is a health need. This does not have to be a long term thing but a means to getting him home initially.

While they say he has met his potential in hospital some people do make some improvements at home in their own environment but it can be quite slow.

You may need to push a bit but this is hopefully just the start of a managed discharge.

good luck

shegar

Ask to speak to a Occupational Therapist in the hospital your brother is in, they will get Social services to come out and assess his home to see what needs doing so that he can live safely in the home.

He will probaly have to apply for a DFG disable facility grant , from the council to make changes to the bathroom, widening doors, ramps ,etc.

Ive been there too not nice situation to be in, if you cant seem to get anywhere with the local services then contact your MP email him or write to let him know the whole situation your in , im sure he will get the ball rolling , I wish you the best of luck to you and your brother.

oneandonly_2

I found that arguing your case with the doctor and physio and occup therapists, They are all after saving money and emptying beds. Just say to them well i want to know this that etc and say you will hold them responsible if anything happens. You will find they will change their attitude ???

Snippa

He - or your sister-in-law - should be entitled to a carers assessment, which should look at his needs.

Carers UK is a good place for information
http://www.carersuk.org/Information/Helpwithcaring/Carersassessmentguide

The law says you have a right to an assessment if care for someone for 'a substantial amount of time on a regular basis'. The relevant legislation here is the Carers (Recognition & Services) Act 1995 and the Carers & Disabled Children Act 2000. You may be a carer living with or away from the person you care for, caring full time or combining care with paid work - you will still have a right to a carer's assessment.

If you are aged over 16, your right to an assessment is not affected, even if the person you care for does not want to receive help from social services.

You also have a right to an assessment if you intend to look after someone. For example: if your friend or relative is in hospital and you expect to look after them when they come back home (see Coming out of hospital for more on this). Or it may be very helpful to ask for an assessment if you intend giving up work.
If you look after a disabled child you also have a right to an assessment. You do not always have to be the child's parent, but must have parental responsibility for the child.

Sadly, not all professionals are aware of carers' right to an assessment and some carers are wrongly told that they are not entitled to one. If this happens to you and you believe you are entitled to an assessment, you should put your request in writing and ask why they are refusing you an assessment. You should seek advice from a local carer's organisation or Citizen Advice Bureau. See our directory for contact details.

Savvy_Sue

The_Economist wrote: »

Have you tried here. http://www.stroke.org.uk/

Also for younger stroke survivors there is Different Strokes.