Household aids when old

ElephantBoy57

Not sure where to put this, I guess it comes under retirement planning.

I look after a 93-year-old relative who is starting to need more help.

I went to his house, he didnt have his earing aid in, he couldnt hear me knoacking on the window, telephone no on receiver correctly, key in door. I ended up getting through the privet edge and to the back door.

I believe in old people flats there are systems that link to a 24-hour telephone system, they can get help if they press an alarm that is around their neck.

What help is there for people living in their own homes? Is the help available at no cost if they have several thousand in the bank, because he has not wanted to pay for anything.

He did get food deliveries during lockdown, so I assume that social services know about his failing health.

Robin9

For pendant/wrist type call buttons look at Aidcall, AgeUK , local social services - but expect to pay. Local Fire Service will do smoke sensors for free.
 
The food deliveries would have been health related - my wife had one because sje had a recent cancer op - rather than social services.

Time for to get more involved - utilities, insurance.    Your fist call is Social Services - can be good once they get their act together.

Do you know who his doctor is ?     

My MIL was quite realistic and took the line that spending £500 on her home was better than a week in a OAP home.

Albermarle

My MIL was quite realistic and took the line that spending £500 on her home was better than a week in a OAP home.

MY MIL was the opposite and refused to get one of those alarms for years due to the cost . When she did get one she used to not wear it.....

NottinghamKnight

Speak to their GP and social services. But don't expect too much, when I reported concerns regarding my parents who live 250 miles from me the GP did nothing and social services said they couldn't do anything until they were asked by the individuals, even when others had raised concern, I understand the response varies hugely depending on where you are in the country. 

Robin9

Can someone confirm - are GP's required to see their  over 80's -  twice a year ?

GP's can be very difficult - my MIL's refused to speak to my wife until they had a letter of authority from MIL.

xylophone

key in door.

Ask your relative not to leave the key in the  lock.

ElephantBoy57

NottinghamKnight said:

Speak to their GP and social services. But don't expect too much, when I reported concerns regarding my parents who live 250 miles from me the GP did nothing and social services said they couldn't do anything until they were asked by the individuals, even when others had raised concern, I understand the response varies hugely depending on where you are in the country. 

The problem I have is that his nearest relatives are not involved enough and he would refuse to pay for anything. So I am just trying to find information, in order to push his close family to do what is needed.

Apintplease

There are a lot of aids available for the elderly to be able to stay at home, some you have to pay for, others will be given free once an assessment has been done by social services. Ring and ask for an adult care needs assessment

There are grants available for some improvements 

NottinghamKnight

ElephantBoy57 said:

NottinghamKnight said:

Speak to their GP and social services. But don't expect too much, when I reported concerns regarding my parents who live 250 miles from me the GP did nothing and social services said they couldn't do anything until they were asked by the individuals, even when others had raised concern, I understand the response varies hugely depending on where you are in the country. 

The problem I have is that his nearest relatives are not involved enough and he would refuse to pay for anything. So I am just trying to find information, in order to push his close family to do what is needed.

I know from personal experience that elderly people can be stubborn and actively work against their best interest. Whether you consider their close relatives to be doing enough or not is irrelevant, it may or may not be correct. Ultimately a decision has to be made whether the person has mental capacity or not, if someone has capacity the they cannot be forced or helped if they refuse that help.

Albermarle

Apintplease said:

There are a lot of aids available for the elderly to be able to stay at home, some you have to pay for, others will be given free once an assessment has been done by social services. Ring and ask for an adult care needs assessment

There are grants available for some improvements 

Yes , even if you think you will have to pay , it is still best to get an assessment done by social services to get the ball rolling and registered with them. Sometimes the older person will take more notice of advice from a third party than family . Sometimes....

joshiesaunt

Now would be a good time to discuss Financial Power of Attorney with the person and also a health one?  Perhaps the family could do this or liaise with you.  Telecare/community alarm systems can be put in owner occupied homes - there is a charge of approximately £6-£10 a week for the service.  Look for mobility aids on Amazon - everything is available.  You can request a needs assessment from Social Services - it's likely they will sign post to services and all care these days is means assessed.