NHS never pro-active with help

User_Bob

I dont know if this is the right place, but I am so angry, frustrated, confused (and a bit scared).

My Dads in his 90's and going blind. He tries to hide the problem. When Mum was here that was easy to disguise, but since she died his little "secret" is out, and its becoming clear that he is virtually blind.

No one has helped and eveything is a battle. He has regular tests at the hosptal for various eye conditions, but no one has suggested any form of support or offered any aids, or done a "low-vision" analysis. This would help identify what visual aids could help.

NO ONE TELLS YOU ANYTHING FOR NOTHING ! YOU HAVE TO FIND IT ALL OUT YOURSELF ! THEN YOU WAIT FOR PHONE CALLS THAT NEVER ARRIVE ! SO YOU REMIND THEM AND ON IT GOES

Dad found out he could get a special magnifyng glass from talking to a man on the bus !! Did his GP advise him ? Did the hospital tell him ?? NO CHANCE. We found out by coincidence.


Absolutely everything is so hard-fought, God help those who dont have anyone to fight for them. At least Dad has me, but I'm sick of turning each corner, only to find out we should have done ............ and filled out ........... form, and if we'd only applied sooner we could have ..........

It just seems a constant up hill struggle to help a very dear sweet old guy who only wants to read the papers and watch his footie team on TV. Why is that so difficult?

catnia

Your Dad is lucky to have you fighting his corner for you - I just want to say that I empathise. My four year old son is oxygen dependent as a result of a rare lung disease and, whilst generally the NHS have been fantastic, I still find that I do a lot of research myself into the illness and what is available to make his life easier. There are many good people in the NHS but I honestly believe that they are grossly overstretched. All the very best with your Dad, take care. Cat

Oliver14

Your local Social services or NHS should have a visual impairment Officer. A GP should be able to refer him. Phone your practice and ask for details.

You could always ask your local RNIB for advice they would be able to advise what is available locally.

http://www.rnib.org.uk/Pages/Home.aspx?gclid=CIbY4e3a2qoCFQJO4QodNmgs6g

User_Bob

Many Thanks.

Sorry for the rant, it all just got on top of me for a while ! Carers out there will know what I mean.

Phoned Visual Impairment Team and have appointment arranged, they will also come to the home and see what help they can give there as well. Also 'cos dad was in the Forces,, they have suggested we look at if the wonderful charity St Dunstans can help.

Seems I'm not alone in this after all.:T

Azari

User_Bob wrote: »

Sorry for the rant

No problems.

Just call it a 'vent' and it on topic for this forum.

Hope you get some good quality help for your father.

Equaliser123

I agree. NHS always seem to patch you up and move you on. Tackling many problems early would undoubtedly save a great many repeat consultations...and worry.

Mojisola

User_Bob wrote: »

NO ONE TELLS YOU ANYTHING FOR NOTHING ! YOU HAVE TO FIND IT ALL OUT YOURSELF ! THEN YOU WAIT FOR PHONE CALLS THAT NEVER ARRIVE ! SO YOU REMIND THEM AND ON IT GOES

And when you do learn what people to contact, you'll find a massive amount of duplication of visits and form-filling. I've lost count of the number of times I've sat with my parents while OTs, Social Workers, District Nurses, Carers Support, Age Concern, etc, have gone through forms, filling in the same information again and again.

Ask over on the Disabilities Board for advice on your Dad's situation.

Like you, I hate to think what happens to people who don't have a relative or friend able to fight the system for them.

fluffnutter

Problem is it's a huge, chaotic and bureaucratic organisation and things like aftercare and support (which make an enormous difference to people's lives) fall between cracks between departments and sometimes even different organisations. I can't help but believe 'outsourcing' is going to make things even worse, as it will no longer simply be the NHS looking after you - it will be your GP surgery, plus the hospital, plus the drug distribution company, plus the medical supplies company, plus the transport company, plus the administration company etc. etc. Imagine the chaos when they've all got to speak to each other!

Oliver14 has some great advice - and it's always a good idea to give these things a google too. See what support's out there for your dad. And you. Get in contact with some carers' organisations and make sure you look after yourself too.

wealdroam

OP, also talk to Action for Blind about Attendance Allowance.

This is non means tested.
My dad was registered as blind, in his late 80s, and a lady came and filled in the form for him.

Cannot praise them highly enough.