Hello all - many thanks for all the messages of support - it does help in some bizarre way to know that there are others going through a similar situation to mine ... also helps to prepare for the next 'stage' of this horrible illness.
As requested - an update on Social Services visit today. A lady called Jean came round - extremely nice, empathetic and great with my father. My father (poor soul) was agitated and did not 'put his best foot forward' (... which, sadly, for this occassion was not a bad thing!)
Bottom line - there is not a lot of proactive help available - all seems to be reactive. My father is still able to care for his personal hygeine and that seems to be the main concern (oh yes, and that we have a working smoke alarm. My father is deaf and wouldn't hear it anyway!!).
To look at what could be offered:
- possibly a place at a day care centre, which organises activities etc. Not sure how often he would be able to go.
- Jean herself will pop in and check on my father while I am travelling for business (very kind of her, as this I am sure is not in her job description!)
- possibility of an Attendance Allowance, which would help pay towards getting someone in to check on my father when I travel.
- information on Lifeline Carelink ... which in theory is good, but my father is deaf and cant use the phone very well.
I am determined not to be negative, as Jean still wants to talk to me seperately, without my father being there. I hope that something more positive will happen.
Thanks for reading ... virtual hugs for you all!
Best
Netti
As requested - an update on Social Services visit today. A lady called Jean came round - extremely nice, empathetic and great with my father. My father (poor soul) was agitated and did not 'put his best foot forward' (... which, sadly, for this occassion was not a bad thing!)
Bottom line - there is not a lot of proactive help available - all seems to be reactive. My father is still able to care for his personal hygeine and that seems to be the main concern (oh yes, and that we have a working smoke alarm. My father is deaf and wouldn't hear it anyway!!).
To look at what could be offered:
- possibly a place at a day care centre, which organises activities etc. Not sure how often he would be able to go.
- Jean herself will pop in and check on my father while I am travelling for business (very kind of her, as this I am sure is not in her job description!)
- possibility of an Attendance Allowance, which would help pay towards getting someone in to check on my father when I travel.
- information on Lifeline Carelink ... which in theory is good, but my father is deaf and cant use the phone very well.
I am determined not to be negative, as Jean still wants to talk to me seperately, without my father being there. I hope that something more positive will happen.
Thanks for reading ... virtual hugs for you all!
Best
Netti