71 year old - Below Knee Amputation, Kidney Transplant

nobbyclarke123

Hello there,

I am looking for some advice regarding my dad.

over the last few years his health has deteriorated. Initially it was kidney failure due to diabetes, however he received a transplant around 4 years ago now which has been working well, albeit it he is alot weaker than he was.

following on from the transplant, earlier this year he had some issues with his feet, and went to his GP. They informed him that it was a fungal nail infection.
Fast forward 2 weeks to a kidney checkup appointment, and he mentioned his foot to the consultant, who took one look and admitted him into the hospital. A number of scans were taken and it was decided to try a arterial bypass in the foot. This did not work and was followed by a half foot amputation, the healing of the foot was not good either. So they have now amputated below the knee.. thankfully this seems to be healing now and after over 8 weeks in hospital we are starting to prepare for him to be discharged. 

The hospital are not very helpful and seem to think its okay for him to come home into a single bed downstairs, with his only access to a toilet in the wheelchair is backwards, using lots of handrails to get to the actual toilet, and washing in the kitchen sink that he cannot reach from his wheel chair.

We have decided to purchase a stairlift at our own cost, in order that my dad can have some dignity/quality of life that he used to have and be able to continue with some normality of routine.

however I am very disappointed in the care system, as my dad being over state pension age he will not be able to get any grant or benefits towards getting the car or any mobility other than a push along wheelchair, the only thing he maybe eligible for is Attendance Allowance which we cant apply for until its been 6 months with the condition effecting his mobility... 

I'm not sure what I hope to achieve from this post other than a good rant, if anyone has any experience of a similar situation I would be grateful to hear any advice.

Newly_retired

Have you asked the local authority Adult social care department for an assessment? Both of your Dad's care needs and of his home? They may be able to provide some equipment free, or for more expensive items, a ( means-tested) contribution may be needed. The provision of personal care is very varied, depending on local resources, both human and financial.

elsien

Have the hospital not had an OT to do a proper home assessment? 

diystarter7

Hi OP

Sorry to hear about your dad and I wish him a speedy get well as possible asap.

As you will be aware by now, every service has eligibility criteria (EC) and if money was not a problem there would be no e/criteria.

About dad coming home, are you saying there has been no 'Safe discharge plan'?
If not, why not?
Speak with the Care Manager on that ward.

A safe discharge paln often involves and in your dads's case from what you have said, a CM, PT and OT,

Re lift, they are not cheap and then there is the cost to look after them and then there is the EC and lifts usually come via soc services have EC and massive waiting lists, well they did ten years ago.

The AA id he meets the EC, the money is given to those that qualify because they need help with their day-to-day life. The money can be used towards home improvements, taxis, carers, heating, or anything to make the person's life a bit easier. Then you have the Blue badge your dad may qualify for.

nothing happens overnight, not even if you pay for it and via social services, it takes months if not years at times.

You dad will be most likely to mange the stairs once he gets his prosthesis, and yes I am guessing but many people do with below-knee amps but it depends on their general health/weight/etc before the had the op.

The NHS and social services can not provide temp lifts or adapt ground floor amenities overnight as many that go into the hospital have hip/knee replacements and or leg amputations will be able to mobilise to a fair extent independently depending on their other health issues/etc.

So, ask to see 'safe discharge plan' and tell them what you are not happy with. (these plans should inc details of how the client will mange at home re getting to use toielt/commode, sit, go to bed, eat/etc and take meds etc)

If dad was lacking mobility etc before the op as I suspect, apply for Attendance Allowance
apply for a Blue badge.

There is a lot of help out there but most people that own their own place are entitled to very little if they have their own place and have a bit of money saved up like my in-laws did. They paid to have the front steps ramped, costing thousands, they paid for a through floor lift, they paid for a level access shower and adapted kitchen. they paid for improved, safer access to the garden, they paid for their carers. They did get an Attendance allowance as it is not means tested and a Blue badge but that was it.


Seek, ask for a SAFE DISCHARGE PLAN, and take it from there  (they do often supply FoC on discharge from the hospital a wheelchair, rails, commode and other small items to aid his daily living.- well they did 10/12 yrs ago

Good luck to your dad and family.

ps - if dad may be prone to a fall/s investigaete an alarm system
Also contact soc services/adults for an OT assessment back in the community type if dad agrees.
Thanks.