Hello Alex - I do sympathise. I'm sure a number of us here have been in a similar situation at some stage. I even experienced a similar thing with the car story - my aunt had a story about that which bore no resemblance to any kind of truth, and she stuck to it for ages during a period when none of us were reeiving any kind of support or help.
Personally, I found social services no help, and ultimately more of a hindrance, although as you are going away I think if they knew there would be noone at all checking on your father that should strengthen your case. They always insist, though, they they can't do anything without the person's consent, and if your father is like my aunt was he definitely will not give that.
You describe your father seeing a doctor - was that a psychiatrist? If your Dad was referred to the mental health team - that would be the psychiatrist - then even if he did 'well' on the memory test, then he should be 'under their care'. If that is the case, I would ring and ask if you could speak with a Community Psychiatric Nurse. I found these to be useful, though they were not able to visit very often. They were able to give me good advice at least. The psychiatrist also washed his hands of my aunt's case after diagnosis. The GP was more helpful though - sometimes people respect a doctor more than someone else. Does your father still take the car out? If he does it is obviously a risk. The doctor your father saw obviously gave your father the impression that there is little wrong with him. If the GP or CPN knows what has been going on they may be willing to take a different approach with him. It sounds to me like he needs to be persuaded to agree to have someone coming to visit him while you are away, whoever that may be - social worker, CPN or GP.
It is very hard to manage this situation, and I am sure you are doing the best you can.
