In July, my dad had a couple of seizures and spent 3 weeks in hospital. During this period he lost his mobility. (He had a fall from a chair whilst in hospital.) He was heading there before this, but the seizures, and being in bed, had an effect on his remaining mobility. He couldn't return to his CH, so we found him a NH.
He'd be hoisted from bed and sat in a chair or lounger all day. He had hated sitting even when mobile, so I wasn't surprised to see him fidget, straightening his back in order to be in a laying position. He'd often be in a recliner chair, so was virtually laying down. He seemed more content this way, but when sat more upright in a standard armchair, he looked uncomfortable.
Just 2 weeks in and Dad slipped off a recliner chair. This resulted in a large skin peel on his elbow. A week later, and just 3 days after I had spoken to the Head of Care about my concerns of Dad falling again: he fell. This time his hip was broken. He had a partial hip operation the following day and returned to the home after 9 days. Prior to my dad's hospital discharge, I had a meeting with the NH, after talking to the hospital consultant about Dad's inability to weight bear, and my concerns of him returning back to the home to be sat back in a chair, and potentially fall or slip off the chair again. The hospital consultant agreed with my opinion that Dad should return and be in bed. At the meeting with the NH, they also agreed. What was mentioned though, by the NH and the hospital, was DoLS.
Dad had been assessed ( by DoLS) a couple of days before his fall. He then had to be assessed again on his return. I'd kept in touch with the assessor from prior to the first assessment, and through Dad's hospital stay until he returned. The new assessment was carried out a couple of days ago, and my sister and I were asked to provide reasons why we wanted Dad to stay in bed.
We individually stated that our dad has: just undergone a major operation. He's unable to weight bear; he hates sitting and has probably forgotten how to. He's unable to communicate; he doesn't understand simple instructions; he's been doubly incontinent for over 4 years; he hasn't known family, or anyone for almost 5 years; isn't aware of those around him; he doesn't respond to music. He does still though, occasionally, mutter the odd word, that doesn't have any semblance to reality. Since the seizures, Dad's eyes are closed. He occasionally, very briefly, opens them.
Pre- dementia, Dad was a loner. He'd lived alone for 20 years after his 2nd divorce. His worst nightmare would have been having to spend ALL his time with others. We stated this too, but the outcome of the assessment is that they'll only authorise an 8 week DoLS.
I can only assume that this relates to his 'lack of socialising' , rather than the issue of being confined to bed. Dad was virtually in bed in the chairs anyway! But very unsafe. Where has common sense gone?!
DoLS have decided to have a paid RPR during this 8 week period, due to 'conflict of interest'. I have previously been the RPR on two occasions. Yes, I know it shouldn't be personal, but, it really , REALLY is. ( I've refrained from the expletives that I feel the need to say)
What happens at the end of the 8 week period? How can I continue in my attempt to keep my Dad safe? My sister and I can see the reality. Why can't 'they'?
He'd be hoisted from bed and sat in a chair or lounger all day. He had hated sitting even when mobile, so I wasn't surprised to see him fidget, straightening his back in order to be in a laying position. He'd often be in a recliner chair, so was virtually laying down. He seemed more content this way, but when sat more upright in a standard armchair, he looked uncomfortable.
Just 2 weeks in and Dad slipped off a recliner chair. This resulted in a large skin peel on his elbow. A week later, and just 3 days after I had spoken to the Head of Care about my concerns of Dad falling again: he fell. This time his hip was broken. He had a partial hip operation the following day and returned to the home after 9 days. Prior to my dad's hospital discharge, I had a meeting with the NH, after talking to the hospital consultant about Dad's inability to weight bear, and my concerns of him returning back to the home to be sat back in a chair, and potentially fall or slip off the chair again. The hospital consultant agreed with my opinion that Dad should return and be in bed. At the meeting with the NH, they also agreed. What was mentioned though, by the NH and the hospital, was DoLS.
Dad had been assessed ( by DoLS) a couple of days before his fall. He then had to be assessed again on his return. I'd kept in touch with the assessor from prior to the first assessment, and through Dad's hospital stay until he returned. The new assessment was carried out a couple of days ago, and my sister and I were asked to provide reasons why we wanted Dad to stay in bed.
We individually stated that our dad has: just undergone a major operation. He's unable to weight bear; he hates sitting and has probably forgotten how to. He's unable to communicate; he doesn't understand simple instructions; he's been doubly incontinent for over 4 years; he hasn't known family, or anyone for almost 5 years; isn't aware of those around him; he doesn't respond to music. He does still though, occasionally, mutter the odd word, that doesn't have any semblance to reality. Since the seizures, Dad's eyes are closed. He occasionally, very briefly, opens them.
Pre- dementia, Dad was a loner. He'd lived alone for 20 years after his 2nd divorce. His worst nightmare would have been having to spend ALL his time with others. We stated this too, but the outcome of the assessment is that they'll only authorise an 8 week DoLS.
I can only assume that this relates to his 'lack of socialising' , rather than the issue of being confined to bed. Dad was virtually in bed in the chairs anyway! But very unsafe. Where has common sense gone?!
DoLS have decided to have a paid RPR during this 8 week period, due to 'conflict of interest'. I have previously been the RPR on two occasions. Yes, I know it shouldn't be personal, but, it really , REALLY is. ( I've refrained from the expletives that I feel the need to say)
What happens at the end of the 8 week period? How can I continue in my attempt to keep my Dad safe? My sister and I can see the reality. Why can't 'they'?
