Hi, sorry I haven't been back as I promised to let you know about Dad, but life has just taken over I am afraid. Some of you may recall Dad was sent home by hospital as he refused to go into nursing care despite having great difficulty coping at home, even with carers. He managed to stay at home for about 10 days then collapsed behind his bedroom door and no one could get at him. Paramedics had to be called and thankfully he was physically okay. However, we felt we could not cope any more and with the assistance of Social Services got him into emergency respite care. Dad has been there nearly 6 weeks and has finally realised that he cannot cope at home. At nearly 81 with late stage dementia, double incontinence; poor visability; hearing and great difficulty walking he has finally given in. That is not to say that he isn't settled in the home. We are lucky in that he has settled in well and the nursing staff are very good.
One of my reasons for coming on line today is to ask advice about these so called "top ups" requested by nursing homes. Dad has had all the physical and financial assessments and we as his powers of attorney we are beginning to sort out his finances/clearing his bungalow for sale. The nursing home then stated that, as well as dads payments, they wanted us to pay an extra £40.00 per week top up. We refused. After a bit of twoing and froing and us threatening to take dad elsewhere this request has miraculously vanished. We are however awaiting the final costings to make sure it has not been added on elsewhere.
The thing is can anyone enlighten me. What is the purpose of these top ups? Are they legal? There is enough money in the pot at present for dad to fund himself so why do they want our money as well? We have a son at Uni who we are assisting financially and any spare cash is needed for our own purposes. What rights do these people have to do this? I am very cross about it and am considering taking some action. I would be grateful to hear of others experiences.
Just to finish off, my hubbie and I had our first weeks holiday in 4 years at the end of October in Cornwall. It was wonderful. Never underestimate the value of a break, you owe it to yourself. Take care everyone. Lizzie K
One of my reasons for coming on line today is to ask advice about these so called "top ups" requested by nursing homes. Dad has had all the physical and financial assessments and we as his powers of attorney we are beginning to sort out his finances/clearing his bungalow for sale. The nursing home then stated that, as well as dads payments, they wanted us to pay an extra £40.00 per week top up. We refused. After a bit of twoing and froing and us threatening to take dad elsewhere this request has miraculously vanished. We are however awaiting the final costings to make sure it has not been added on elsewhere.
The thing is can anyone enlighten me. What is the purpose of these top ups? Are they legal? There is enough money in the pot at present for dad to fund himself so why do they want our money as well? We have a son at Uni who we are assisting financially and any spare cash is needed for our own purposes. What rights do these people have to do this? I am very cross about it and am considering taking some action. I would be grateful to hear of others experiences.
Just to finish off, my hubbie and I had our first weeks holiday in 4 years at the end of October in Cornwall. It was wonderful. Never underestimate the value of a break, you owe it to yourself. Take care everyone. Lizzie K