does anyone know rules and regs of taking mum out of carehome for a short outing?

[jackson]

hiya to you all out there.jus wondering if anyone knows the rules and regulations of taking my mum out of carehome for a short outing maybe to beach or park or shopping?ive asked caremanager permission wether or not im allowed to take my mum out for a short trip for some fresh air and exercise,and have been advised that they will need to ask permission of my mums sw.caremanager.my mum has now been in carehome for jus over 2 weeks and is missing being outside in freshair and exercise which she used to do regularly before she was placed into carehome by social services.as far as im aware my mum is being assessed.i did not realise that this would penalize my mum from going out accompanied by myself.i regularly have contact with my mum in carehome telephone conversations and visits.anyone got any advice please what my mums rights are whilst she is in carehome?would appreciate it!

 

[Grannie G]

Hello Jackson

I do not know for sure , but I imagine if your mother is a resident of a home she is their responsibility.
In this age of litigation care homes would need to be more vigilant than ever, and I think your mother`s home is being very responsible checking before giving permission.

 

[TinaT]

I think the care home have got it wrong! I have taken my husband out almost every day for the last two years, since the first day of his admission to an EMI home. Never once was there any suggestion that I needed Social Services or anyone else's permission. My husband had been sectioned under section III so I suppose technically they could have asked the consultant but as I had also been taking him out for afternoons whilst he was on an assessment ward, I expect it would have been granted anyway. I have always been encouraged to do so as it has been so beneficial to my husband's well being.

I would go through exactly what you want to do with your mum when you take her out with the Care Home Manager and let him/her know that you can manage this without problems. They may be worried that her behaviour would cause difficulties for you.

xxTinaT

xxTinaT

 

[Grannie G]

Now isn`t it interesting. Two such different pieces of advice and two such different opinions.

 

[jenniferpa]

I think there's a lot to be said for both positions. Frankly, I wouldn't have stood for being told that I couldn't take my mother out, but to be honest the situation was different in that I never had social services involvement. If she's been placed by social services for assessment I suspect that they should have to sign off on it. Having said that - does not the home have a secure garden for fresh air? I would have thought that was a basic requirement (unless this is a locked environment in which case I can really understand why they might be a bit wary).

 

[Skye]

I took John out a couple of times before he completely lost mobility, there was no problem.

One of the male residents is regularly taken out by a lady who used to be his carer, not even family, though she obviously has family approval. And this is from a closed EMI unit.

 

[Pea]

We have taken my dad out every day since he moved into his care home last November and it has never been an issue. In fact, his GP was really pleased to hear that he was getting fresh air and a change of scenery every day. I also see other residents at the home being taken out by their relatives regularly.

 

[sue38]

I have to say it never occurred to us to ask permission to take my dad out. A lot of the residents in the home go out for lunch or a ride in the car with relatives, and the carers have taken one resident into town for coffee.

 

[Cl13]

Hi Jackson, my mums been in here care home now for 4wks, I took my mum out to lunch and to town shopping 4 times in her first 2 wks then I went on holiday for 2 wks, my sister and brother live out of town, I explained that they would be coming to see mum when I was away and would like to take her out, my son and his family visit and my friend also,
We were told mum could be taken out any time she wanted to go, and I was also told that they would not object to any visitors, we were just asked to respect meals times if possible which ofcourse we do, we have to sign in and out,for fire regulations mostly and also so they know who is in the building.
I have not asked, can I take mum out as they said I dont have to, but I always let them know when we're ready to go.
On the day mum moved in I was asked to read what mum had had put in her care plan, and did I want to add anything she may have forgotten, I told them that I had always taken mum to her hair done every week and that she liked to go town with me on Fridays
and with me to Tesco now and again.
I said my brother and sister will come in turn and take out for the afternoon and her tea out.
All this was put in mums plan which can be changed anytime, they basically said its mums home and she is free to come and go as she wants as long as know she is safe, ofcourse my mum would wonder so they wouldn't let her go out alone but I know staff have taken her to a small supermarket over the road.
I would just arrange to go over your mums care plan, I'm sure once they get to know you and your mum and what mum likes to do
things should work out for you both, after all we are talking about the rest of your mums life here and she's not in prison.

Take care

Love Lynn

 

[sad nell]

whilst trev was being asscessed i did not have permission to take him out of hospital grounds so we walked endlessly round grounds. it did feel strange not being allowed to leave when Trev had been such a free spirit, but i understood where they were coming from and accepted it. pam

 

[TinaT]

Was Trev on a Section II at the time Pam? Whilst Ken was on any section I had to get permission even to take him within hospital grounds and it was for a specified time only . I know what you mean about wandering aimlessly around. In winter time we spent long periods walking corridors. As there are miles and miles of corridors at our hospital, we had plenty to go at.

When he was allowed off the hospital grounds and to visit home again it was strictly timed, far too strictly and with the threat of police hanging over me if I didn't get him back exactly on time. Horrible, horrible experience which I hate remembering - ugh!!

xxTinaT

 

[Cate]

I never asked permission to take my mum out, it never entered my head to ‘ask permission’ mum after all wasn’t a prisoner, but out of courtesy and for fire safety reasons I always let them know when we were on our way out, and again let them know when were back. Also if mum was coming home with me for a meal, I would tell them she wouldnt be back for lunch etc. so that they didnt waste food etc.,

 

[Natashalou]

perhaps

it is more a matter of advice from the care manager than permission . My mums home simply had a signing in and out procedure, which covers length of time out and a contact number, also has to be a person already nominated to escort her.
however in the early days in a home I know the advice is usually not to take the resident out as it can be unsettling particularly if like in my mums case they dont like being there!

 

[Lisa M 99]

I have the same experience as Natashalou. I just check with Care Home since they know mum's state of mind at the time. It would never be a no to mum coming out and in fact she is coming for lunch next Sunday but as she is in their care, it is a courtesy to ask/check whether they think it's a good idea based on mum's behaviour/needs at the time. I wonder if it's different depending on whether it's private funding or not? I don't know.

 

[margaret101]

My husband has been in Hospital for almost a year then in a home for two years I have never had any trouble when i wanted to take him out to the pub or home for dinner i also feel very happy when i want to take him out into the grounds and just sit with him or go to his room to cut his hair or put his feet into a bowel of water and soak them befor i cut his nails
i can only hope he is as happy with the home as i am even if i would rather have him at home with me marg xx

 

[TinaT]

I was given so much support from the manager even before Ken went into the Care Home, and subsquent support from the staff, that I really do feel 'part of the team' there. The signing in and out book is a necessity and I think is part of a legal requirement, and as others have said it is common courtesy to always tell staff when you are going out, when you will be back, and if they need to provide a meal or keep it for a later than usual return.

If I am going to be out with my husband much later than usual, for perhaps a special occasion, I always tell them in advance and it is noted in their diary. They even ask what would I like the staff to dress him in for these special occasions and take extra care with his shaving etc,. so that he will look good.

I have even had occasional 'weekends away' with him which they have fully supported.

xxTinaT