Thought that I would let you know that Richard has been granted 4 days at a new day centre ( a council one) we visited and it was lovely, very light with plenty of space, with a lovely garden, and the key worker I spoke to seems to understand the issues with a dementia patient, more in tune I would say than the last place. I previously posted asking for advice (greatfully received) about his previous private day centre (supposed specilaist until some mild challenging behaviour occured - as explained in my previous postings).,
Going forward Richard started the day centre this week and all has gone well, and he seems happy so far, I am so pleased. I will add that Richard is fully funded as our income is low as I have had to give up work. I have now been told that Richard will have to contribute £4.50 per day for lunch and drinks (on the visit the key worker said there was a small charge which I replied that Richard ws fully funded) The issues I have are :-
The Day Centre called to say that Richard has paid for one day - ????? - I know he had some change in his pocket, but taking it from an Alzheimers patient doesn't seem right somehow.
They went on to say they will invoice me monthly for the meals going forward.
I emailed the social worker who said that the meals were free at the previous day centre as that was their policy, however the council's policy is that meals are paid for by the service user.
Richard has had a fincancial assessment for day care and is fully funded because of our low income.
The charge for a meal amounts to £72 per month. The problem is I do not have this extra cash to spare, also I am very careful and do not spend £4 each per day on food anyway. We eat healthily with careful management, I cook from scratch in large amounts, we eat well.
Social worker has told me to discuss it with the key care worker at the day centre, but I find that strange as the assessment was done by the social worker and the 'board'.I feel as though the social worker is just passing the buck.
If anyone out there can give me some advice (again) I would be grateful. I am willing to contribute something of course. Please be honest if you think I am being unreasonable. My daughter suggested sending him with sandwiches, but I can't bear the thought of him sitting alone eating when they're all having a hot meal together.
Going forward Richard started the day centre this week and all has gone well, and he seems happy so far, I am so pleased. I will add that Richard is fully funded as our income is low as I have had to give up work. I have now been told that Richard will have to contribute £4.50 per day for lunch and drinks (on the visit the key worker said there was a small charge which I replied that Richard ws fully funded) The issues I have are :-
The Day Centre called to say that Richard has paid for one day - ????? - I know he had some change in his pocket, but taking it from an Alzheimers patient doesn't seem right somehow.
They went on to say they will invoice me monthly for the meals going forward.
I emailed the social worker who said that the meals were free at the previous day centre as that was their policy, however the council's policy is that meals are paid for by the service user.
Richard has had a fincancial assessment for day care and is fully funded because of our low income.
The charge for a meal amounts to £72 per month. The problem is I do not have this extra cash to spare, also I am very careful and do not spend £4 each per day on food anyway. We eat healthily with careful management, I cook from scratch in large amounts, we eat well.
Social worker has told me to discuss it with the key care worker at the day centre, but I find that strange as the assessment was done by the social worker and the 'board'.I feel as though the social worker is just passing the buck.
If anyone out there can give me some advice (again) I would be grateful. I am willing to contribute something of course. Please be honest if you think I am being unreasonable. My daughter suggested sending him with sandwiches, but I can't bear the thought of him sitting alone eating when they're all having a hot meal together.