I was offered and accepted a package of care by Home Care (HC) towards the end of my wifes 2wk period in hospital following her collapse. HC provided a summary of care document produced by their hospital based representative. Following discharge from hospital and at the start of the service we were provided with further documentation by HC which stated that for patients with dementia the service was provided free of charge for a period upto 12wks (for patients other than those with dementia, the f.o.c. period was upto 6wks).
Whilst I have some concerns about the system and those administering it, the ladies who attended to provide the hands-on care were very good and I was appreciative of their help through a difficult period.
The HC service came to a natural end after 7wks and 2ds due to a pre-planned holiday with family, where, once again I would be caring for all my wifes needs (with family support, if necessary).
I was surprised and alarmed to then receive some 7wks after the service ended, an invoice relating to the HC provisions, albeit for a small sum covering 0.58hrs. Following a query, I was informed the charge covered the period in excess of the 7wks notified internally but not made known to me, by their hospital representative. Having said that all I had was their document stating a f.o.c. period upto 12wks, I was told that 7wks and 2days was therefor in accordance with the information provided. In addition, I was told the invoice would be placed on the debtor's list for payment collection!
And these, Social Services, would have you believe they are in the business of understanding and caring for people. I will leave you to decide for yourself. By the way, having said there was clearly a problem with their internal/external communications I was told I needed to speak to their hospital representive i.e. I am expected to try and resolve their internal problems. Am I being too pernickety?
Whilst I have some concerns about the system and those administering it, the ladies who attended to provide the hands-on care were very good and I was appreciative of their help through a difficult period.
The HC service came to a natural end after 7wks and 2ds due to a pre-planned holiday with family, where, once again I would be caring for all my wifes needs (with family support, if necessary).
I was surprised and alarmed to then receive some 7wks after the service ended, an invoice relating to the HC provisions, albeit for a small sum covering 0.58hrs. Following a query, I was informed the charge covered the period in excess of the 7wks notified internally but not made known to me, by their hospital representative. Having said that all I had was their document stating a f.o.c. period upto 12wks, I was told that 7wks and 2days was therefor in accordance with the information provided. In addition, I was told the invoice would be placed on the debtor's list for payment collection!
And these, Social Services, would have you believe they are in the business of understanding and caring for people. I will leave you to decide for yourself. By the way, having said there was clearly a problem with their internal/external communications I was told I needed to speak to their hospital representive i.e. I am expected to try and resolve their internal problems. Am I being too pernickety?