Today's meeting...
This could be a long one... before I go any further, please Tina, don't fret about disrupting this thread because it's all valid. I considered starting a new thread about this but think it's important to keep the continuity about how this will work out eventually.
It started out as Eric's review and ended as an update on my carer's assessment as well. Which makes a whole lot of sense..
Our SW "N" and the Senior from the Dementia Care Team "L" were here for the best part of 2 hours today.
2 professionals with "different heads". But both wanting to support.
The reality is: (As the SW sees it) (From Eric's point of view)
a) Mental Capacity Act...(incorporating Deprivation of Liberty)
Eric does agree ( although reluctantly ) to respite care.
He is not happy about this situation, apparently, and makes that known to those who care for him while he's there..
He would therefore have to agree to permanent care. Unless he was deemed unfit to agree. And we all know he wouldn't agree to that.
b) Funding is not an issue. LA would subsidise in the same way as they are doing for respite care.
The main stumbling block re permanent care is that Eric is still deemed to have "Some Mental Capacity". But it was acknowledged that this is changing.
My issues as the main carer were taken into account..and firmly backed up by L.
As a result..I can access respite care as when I feel the need, as long as there is a room available for Eric.
Extra daytime input was offered (at no extra cost) but declined by me. It's enough to have people coming into your home in the morning and the evening.
My point here was that this is my home as well as Eric's..and at times I feel unable to relax in the very place that I need to be able to relax, because of the influx of carers and Eric's attitude towards them..which is often hostile and creates more difficulties for me. L understood and backed me up on that..it was duly noted.
Day Centres were mentioned again...
and quickly ruled out. There is nothing locally that would meet Eric's needs.
Or that he would agree to attend.
Sadly if he would agree to that for even one day a week I would feel the benefit of it.
There is a unanimous agreement that physically Eric appears to be declining more rapidly than he is mentally.
I wasn't sure...when you live with it you just get on with it.
I've phoned the surgery thisafternoon and left a message for his GP..requesting a visit but not as a matter of urgency.
CPN has agreed to visit on Monday.
The OT has been alerted because Eric's mobility is worsening and the the shower room is no longer "meeting his needs".
I'll say no more.
It is now documented that I am struggling with caring.
Love xx