Elderly relative coming out of hospital wants to live at home what support

moneyspender1981

I wonder if anyone can help pls

My grandad is 90 years old and Im his grandson and all he has. He has lived independent and relatively fit until he was admitted to hospital 3 weeks ago with breathing issues, he has been on oxygen since , he has collapsed lung and suspected lung cancer. He has refused any evasive investigations / operations. I was called today by the McMillan nurse to discuss next steps, he has advised them he wants to go home, we don’t know how long his life expectancy is but it’s likely to be weeks poss months but without diagnosis we don’t know, McMillan advised they can come 4 times a day and arrange downstairs bed, oxygen etc. I presume they visit but don’t help it’s bathing, dressing etc? Does anyone know?

I wondered if there is any further help from the council, care workers that would help with dressing etc. I will be helping as much as I can but work full time and have a small family as well.

any help or advice how to access services would be appreciated 

pramsay13

You should speak to the social work department of the local council. 
Ask them to make an assessment. 

Tigsteroonie

Try to insist that he is not discharged from hospital without a full care plan in place. As well as contacting the local council, the hospital should also be able to direct you to the appropriate people to speak with regarding a care plan - ask their PALS team if the ward nurses cannot help.

This information sheet from AgeUK may help:
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/globalassets/age-uk/documents/factsheets/fs37_hospital_discharge_fcs.pdf

missile

McMillan nurse is usually great source of help. You could ask to speak with McMillan benefits advisor.

AskAsk

contact social services and they will carry out an assessment as someone has already said.  they will pay for carers to come depending on his financial circumstance.  he will probably have to pay something towards the cost.

don't expect the care from the council appointed carers to be that good though as they are contracted on small profit margin so don't expect too much.

chlo88

In my area, when a palliative prognosis as your grandpas is made: Its 4 times a day care visits, to support with personal care, meal prep etc, toileting. One of the visits will be by a qualified nurse to also assess any symptoms he may be having and his needs on a daily basis. Night sitters can also be arranged in my area. You need to clarify with the ward or Macmillan that contacted you. It can be a lot to take in and the way it all works so they’re used to people ringing up to Clarify. They won’t be expecting you to do any cares unless you want to or he wants you to, they’re there to help you and your grandad through this time and to let you be there as his grandson. 

MaiTai

AskAsk said:

contact social services and they will carry out an assessment as someone has already said.  they will pay for carers to come depending on his financial circumstance.  he will probably have to pay something towards the cost.

don't expect the care from the council appointed carers to be that good though as they are contracted on small profit margin so don't expect too much.

 I have just been through the planned discharge process with my 87 year old Mother who was in hospital for several weeks following a fall and kidney infection.

Everything was organised by the hospital social workers in conjunction with the physio therapy and occupational therapy departments.No direct council care was available due to the current demands on the service and as a result the need was contracted out to a local private care agency.

Care can be provided free (regardless of financial circumstance) for up to 6 weeks post discharge depending on need then fees kick in following a financial assessment.She has been quoted a sum of around £140 a week to continue.Mum has 3 visits a day to help with personal care and meal prep etc and the service received has been first class.

We have in the past had carers from the council run service and again no complaints about the level of care provided.The main difference with the private agency seems to have been continuity of care in that the same carers are visiting regularly rather than a stream of different people arriving for each visit.

Keep_pedalling

Are you sure it was a McMillan nurse you were called it to see, it sounds more like the hospital discharge team. They are the ones who arrange, through an occupational therapist, the home equipment. Social services will also be involved in arranging home visits. The maximum number of visits they will provide is 4 a day, but the recommendation may be that he goes into a nursing home or hospice if his needs can’t be managed at home.

Do you have power of attorney for him.

Robin9

I would also expect it to be the NHS discharge team - it's them that arranges the care for the first 6 weeks and then they hand over to the Social Services council and a different care contractor.  Social Services will do a Financial Assessment - if he has over £16,000 he will have to pay.

Who does his grocery, his washing, looks after his bills .................. 

Waunakee

AskAsk said:

contact social services and they will carry out an assessment as someone has already said.  they will pay for carers to come depending on his financial circumstance.  he will probably have to pay something towards the cost.

don't expect the care from the council appointed carers to be that good though as they are contracted on small profit margin so don't expect too much.

Largely incorrect 
Care plan should be formalised by the hospitals re-enablement/aftercare team prior to discharge.They will consult with immediate family to address any concerns and the level of care and mobility equipment needed.The requirement to contact social services would only arise in the unlikely event of a patient being sent home without a plan in place.
Regarding funding - it is free for up six weeks with a maximum of 4 visits in any day.Financial circumstances are only considered at the end of this period.
From personal experience I found the care provided by the overwhelming majority to be of a good standard,nothing was too much trouble and they were super caring.
I would also highly suggest telephone monitoring provision along with a key safe but get a decent one with a weatherproof cover.

HampshireH

As it would be palitive care he may be eligible for NHS continuing healthcare which is free and includes care in the home. It's worth asking for this assessment to be done.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/end-of-life-care/where-you-can-receive-care/

My experience of a relative given 4 months to live was free care in the home. I'm assuming it was under this arrangement but I don't know. He had 4 times a day carers visits plus a live in carer (but he was bed bound). He lived a further 18months under his arrangement with deteriorating health.

All organised by the discharge team before he could go home