Advice? Patient transfer? Moving dad from care home 6 hours away. How to!

[DaughterforaDad]

Hello everyone.
Never posted before on a forum.
I'm new to taking over my dad's care responsibilities and find it hard to find clear info and helpful sources of information. Until I found this forum!

My question is, I'm now in the position that my father is alone 6 hours away in his care home. I'm in the process of moving him to the next town over from me into ma new care home. I'm nervous as he is much frailer now, doesn't recognize me, and I'm not sure if it's even safe to take him myself. Can I sort a patient transfer? I'd feel like he will be much safer with carers or professionals.

Has anyone had a similar situation? Or am I going to have to make my own way and hope it goes as well as it can?

Many thanks,
Sorry if this subject already exists, I couldn't find anything.

 

[TNJJ]

Hello everyone.
Never posted before on a forum.
I'm new to taking over my dad's care responsibilities and find it hard to find clear info and helpful sources of information. Until I found this forum!

My question is, I'm now in the position that my father is alone 6 hours away in his care home. I'm in the process of moving him to the next town over from me into ma new care home. I'm nervous as he is much frailer now, doesn't recognize me, and I'm not sure if it's even safe to take him myself. Can I sort a patient transfer? I'd feel like he will be much safer with carers or professionals.

Has anyone had a similar situation? Or am I going to have to make my own way and hope it goes as well as it can?

Many thanks,
Sorry if this subject already exists, I couldn't find anything.

You can do it but would need to hire carers to go with him.Is he in a wheelchair? You can take him yourself without a carer of you so wish.But that would depend whether he is mobile or aggressive etc.Could you give some more information ?

 

[Louise7]

It might be worth asking the home that he is moving to if they can provide any suggestions regarding transportation as it's likely that other residents will have needed similar help.

 

[Sirena]

We need a bit more info about your dad. Do you think he can get in and out of a car, and sit for the length of the journey? If so, you can take him yourself, although I would definitely have someonelse with you, preferably a carer experienced in dementia patients. Your father may become agitated or upset, and with a journey that length you will probably have to stop at services so you will need help with him there. Is there anyone he does still know and recognise, who would be prepared to go with you?

You could ask if the care home would release one of the carers for the day (obviously you'd have to pay for this). If not, you could call a care agency and ask if they could provide someone. We moved my mother from her home to a care home near me (2.5 hours in a car). Her favourite carer from the agency accompanied her, which was very helpful in keeping her calm and cheerful.

If a car journey isn't possible, as Louise suggests you could ask the care home if they know of special transport.

 

[Demy]

You can do it but would need to hire carers to go with him.Is he in a wheelchair? You can take him yourself without a carer of you so wish.But that would depend whether he is mobile or aggressive etc.Could you give some more information ?

 

[Demy]

Yes I had an similar experience moving dad who had had a stroke into respite care. Might be worth having a word with your Local Social Services Team, they arranged transport for me. There is also the British Red Cross, if you have one in your area. They can arrange private transport in a private ambulance for a small fee. Who advice helps.

 

[DaughterforaDad]

Wow! Thank you SO much for everyone's speedy reply, it's wonderful to have some support.
He's reasonably able bodied. Doesn't need a wheelchair but can get tired quite easy when walking When he's nervous or anxious he can act our, sometimes hits himself. I am worried about the length of journey for him. He can handle about half an hour of socialising in his own room before he becomes agitated so a 6 hour journey is quite daunting.
I'll speak to both his current and potential care home for advice. Very useful! Otherwise hiring a carer may be best, I'd worry on a relief stop that he may be nervous for my help with toilet activities as he doesn't recognize me and may be uncomfortable.

If the above isn't helpful then I'll contact my local services and see what they can offer.

I'll let you know what I come up with and how it goes. Maybe someone would find the info useful to them another time.

Thank you all so much, I feel very encouraged. Your families all sound very lucky to have you.