My partner has Alzheimers and is doubly incontinent. Up to now we have managed with 3 pads per 24 hour period ( 2 for daytime and one for night). Unfortunately his usage has increased to needing at least 3 over the daytime and 2 for the night time period. I have tried talking to the incontinence service who insist he goes to their surgery for another assessement. I explained that it woukd be difficult as his behaviour is inappropriate in a crowded place and would probably offend people, also he might try and do a wee in the waiting room as he still acknowledges his need to 'go'. Also his mobility is poor, he does have a wheelchair but I cannot lift the wheelchair in and out of the car or even push him in it as I need 2 knee replacements.
They said they could possibly inform the district nurse but could not give me a timescale on this. I know systems vary from area to area - I am based in the Nottingham city area. Does anyone have experience of these issues? Goodness knows its hard enough dealing with the incontinence without them making you jump through hoops to get a few more! Like a lot of carers in this situation I feel angry that we are not supported with needs that cannot be ignored. Its obviously down to cost, but to what end? The day centre that Richard attends obviously needed to change his pad more often but we did not have the available pads, he ended up with a UTI and another skin infection and was very poorly last week taking up a GP's time and costly prescription. Never mind a sugar minister we need an Alzheimers minister (or have we already got on?) obvioulsy living in a bubble I am not up to date.
They said they could possibly inform the district nurse but could not give me a timescale on this. I know systems vary from area to area - I am based in the Nottingham city area. Does anyone have experience of these issues? Goodness knows its hard enough dealing with the incontinence without them making you jump through hoops to get a few more! Like a lot of carers in this situation I feel angry that we are not supported with needs that cannot be ignored. Its obviously down to cost, but to what end? The day centre that Richard attends obviously needed to change his pad more often but we did not have the available pads, he ended up with a UTI and another skin infection and was very poorly last week taking up a GP's time and costly prescription. Never mind a sugar minister we need an Alzheimers minister (or have we already got on?) obvioulsy living in a bubble I am not up to date.