Hello to all on the forum
Perhaps I should lay down some back ground why I am here.
My 89 year old Mother was first diagnosed with Vascular Dementia approximately 3 years ago.
The problems Dementia brings divided my relationship with some family members due to a difference of opinion about what level of Care we should look at.
I made a decision to take unpaid leave from my employment to provide the Care I felt she needed at that time.
Over an 8 month period i tried my very best to cope but eventually realised I was Mentally worn out.
During that time I did seek out help and Care helpers were provided through the Borough Council.
Some of the Carers were better than others but it was very random who came and if they actually turned up.
Mums relationship with some Carers was very rocky as she felt that when being Washed and Dressed some were rough.
Mums symptoms increased quite quickly as she also suffered with Mini Strokes and Double Incontanance which in turn resulted in her being Hospitalised due to her contacting a UTI.
Whilst in Hospital I made the decision to myself that I could no longer cope and sought help from the Appointed Social Worker at the Hospital.
The process began for me to convince the Social Workers that Mum required a placement in a Residential Care Home that would fit her budget of State Pension and her small savings.
If I’m honest this quickly became very stressful as it seemed the Hospital Social Worker felt that she would like “to see how it goes” if Mum could cope in a rented 1 bedroom flat.
It was very clear to me at the time that this was a cost cutting act and I made it very clear that I was not prepared to risk this and sought a meeting with Social Workers and Senior Hospital Care Staff.
After 8 Weeks Hospital Care Mum was finally awarded a placement at Care Home and I breathed a sigh of relief.
The Placement is run by local Borough Council and Mums State Pension and a gradual reduction in her savings is covering this expense.
The CH is a 20 min drive away so have been able to visit regularly.
Like all Dementia sufferers Mum has good days and not so good days.
If I’m honest Mum is unhappy there and its upsetting to see but I keep telling myself I can’t do anymore other than take her some of favourite foods and visit three or times or so a week.
All of this allowed me to return to my Full time Job for the last 20 months.
For the last 2 weeks I became concerned about Coronavirus and the impact it would have on poorly funded C/Homes.
After lengthy discussions with my younger Sister it was decided to temporary remove Mum from her placement and return home with me as her Primary Carer.
It’s been very difficult to talk to various organisations about getting products that would help my situation but I’m quite well set up from previous stint as a Carer.
I have contacted her GP and have 1 months supply of Mums extensive Medication.
I will of of course be posting in due course for advice on other matters but for now here I am back to square one.
Perhaps I should lay down some back ground why I am here.
My 89 year old Mother was first diagnosed with Vascular Dementia approximately 3 years ago.
The problems Dementia brings divided my relationship with some family members due to a difference of opinion about what level of Care we should look at.
I made a decision to take unpaid leave from my employment to provide the Care I felt she needed at that time.
Over an 8 month period i tried my very best to cope but eventually realised I was Mentally worn out.
During that time I did seek out help and Care helpers were provided through the Borough Council.
Some of the Carers were better than others but it was very random who came and if they actually turned up.
Mums relationship with some Carers was very rocky as she felt that when being Washed and Dressed some were rough.
Mums symptoms increased quite quickly as she also suffered with Mini Strokes and Double Incontanance which in turn resulted in her being Hospitalised due to her contacting a UTI.
Whilst in Hospital I made the decision to myself that I could no longer cope and sought help from the Appointed Social Worker at the Hospital.
The process began for me to convince the Social Workers that Mum required a placement in a Residential Care Home that would fit her budget of State Pension and her small savings.
If I’m honest this quickly became very stressful as it seemed the Hospital Social Worker felt that she would like “to see how it goes” if Mum could cope in a rented 1 bedroom flat.
It was very clear to me at the time that this was a cost cutting act and I made it very clear that I was not prepared to risk this and sought a meeting with Social Workers and Senior Hospital Care Staff.
After 8 Weeks Hospital Care Mum was finally awarded a placement at Care Home and I breathed a sigh of relief.
The Placement is run by local Borough Council and Mums State Pension and a gradual reduction in her savings is covering this expense.
The CH is a 20 min drive away so have been able to visit regularly.
Like all Dementia sufferers Mum has good days and not so good days.
If I’m honest Mum is unhappy there and its upsetting to see but I keep telling myself I can’t do anymore other than take her some of favourite foods and visit three or times or so a week.
All of this allowed me to return to my Full time Job for the last 20 months.
For the last 2 weeks I became concerned about Coronavirus and the impact it would have on poorly funded C/Homes.
After lengthy discussions with my younger Sister it was decided to temporary remove Mum from her placement and return home with me as her Primary Carer.
It’s been very difficult to talk to various organisations about getting products that would help my situation but I’m quite well set up from previous stint as a Carer.
I have contacted her GP and have 1 months supply of Mums extensive Medication.
I will of of course be posting in due course for advice on other matters but for now here I am back to square one.