4 months on and still in hospital

[Gwennie]

Hi All
I haven't been on TP for sometime as circumstances have taken over and time is something that just seems to disappear when visiting a hospital on a daily basis. Anyway for anyone that read my earlier threads in January you will know my mum was admitted to hospital with problems with her foot and her diabetes. Anyway 4 months later mum is still in hospital. She has suffered a heart attack and a possible stroke whilst in hospital and on 3 occassions I have been called by the hospital to say I must get there ASAP!
I am pleased to say that over the last 4 weeks mum's "health" as improved although she is now bed bound and has been for around 8 weeks. From a woman that constantly wandered the wards of the hospital so much so she was know on first name basis by all the staff on each ward and then to see the frustration in her and her behaviour as she is unable to get out of bed, well....
Anyway I am pleased to say after much debating she finally went to panel and it has been agreed she should be placed in an FE nursing home.
Some of the homes suggested by SS are FE/DE and not just DE. Can anyone offer any advice as to whether mum is better placed in a nursing home that specialises both in FE/DE or one that is just for FE? I am concerned that her needs as a dementia sufferer should be met but also very concerned that mum's health is delicate so careful monitoring by nursing staff is also important.

Thanks in advance
Gwennie

 

[Nan2seven]

Dear Gwennie,
Sorry, but I do not understand what the letters FE and DE stand for. (They may need to be added to the site's List of Abbreviations because they are not on there at the moment.)
Love, Nan XXX

 

[JPG1]

Nan, I'm not sure about the FE category, but DE is one of the CQC registration categories and is used for care homes registered to provide DEmentia care.

So I'm guessing that FE may stand for 'frail elderly' - but I could be wrong there!

http://www.carehomeselection.co.uk/media/pdf/CHSfactsheet_06.pdf

The CQC (Care Quality Commission) having already done away with inspection visits and relying on care providers to 'inspect themselves', was planning to 'suspend' registration categories too. Then we would have to rely on the care homes to produce a suitable brochure explaining the kind of care they are able to provide. But, of course, that would make hunting for suitable care homes more difficult. But I haven't followed that through - so it's possible that the CQC has been persuaded to keep the system of categories that already exists.

 

[Gwennie]

Sorry everyone, I was using terminology that SS use and yes - DE is for Dementia and FE is Frail elderly (i.e. nursing care)

Any advice anyone can offer will be appreciated.

thanks
Gwennie

 

[Nan2seven]

Hallo again, Gwennie,

My husband went into residential care for the first time in February of this year, to a care home suggested by the Continuing Healthcare Team that was dementia-registered and also, I was given to understand, able to deal with his many health problems as well. (Not diabetes, but a blood disorder and other things.) Within the first eight days there he had three falls followed by a chest infection, all of which took their toll. He then had a seizure, his first ever, and was sent by ambulance to A & E. This was in early March. He was only in the home for four weeks but in that time developed a huge blister on one ankle. I was clearly unlucky in my choice of care home.

It was suggested to me by both the hospital and the CHC Team that he be placed in a local nursing home, also dementia registered, and he moved into it after a four week stay in hospital. I have to say I am very pleased with the second care home.

The nursing side IS important and in view of your mum's heart attack and possible stroke, I would say go for the nursing home. You may find otherwise that you would have to move her into one at a later date and this might add to her confusion.

Hope this helps,
Love,
Nan XXX

 

[Gwennie]

Many thanks for your replay Nan.
After speaking with a friend and some of the nurses at the hospital where mum is currently I am in agreement with you that she definitely needs to be in a nursing home as the diabetes is really causing lots of problems at the moment as well as a necreotic wound to one of her toes.

Anyway, I've asked on of the nursing homes to come and assess mum now and I am hoping I will have an answer in a couple of days and then both mum and I will get ready for the move into a nursing home.

thanks
Gwennie x

 

[Nan2seven]

Dear Gwennie - I hope that the assessment goes well and that when the time comes, your mother's move into the nursing home goes as smoothly as possible. Do keep us posted.

Love, Nan XXX