Husband Ken went into 'respite' early last month whilst we had a new bathroom and kitchen put in. I was advised by the Consultant not to visit him as this would unsettle him but I did phone and speak to him each evening at the same time. The family also phoned him each day. He only stayed five days when I was phoned by the home and advised it would be best if I collected him early as he was too distressed to stay any longer. So I brought him home to a house which had a building site going on inside. Thankfully a week later the workmen left and I could get the house back into a liveable condition.
Since his stay in respite his insecurity and anxiety levels have rocketed to an unbelievable level. His obsessive behaviour makes life impossible for me from about 4pm each evening. He paces around, sits rocking himself and hand wringing, constantly checks where my handbag is, where the house keys are etc. I get him ready for bed about 8.30, make him his bedtime drink and give him his tablets. He then goes to bed at about 9pm. Every 10 or 15 minutes he wanders into the living room, checks where I am, sits down for 5 minutes then I have to put him to bed again, kiss him goodnight and tuck him in. This routine lasts all evening until I go to bed myself. I've tried letting him sleep on the sofa but he still gets up every 15 minutes and wants to go to bed. He goes to half day care Saturdays and Sundays and I've been phoned a couple of times and been asked to bring him home as he has got into an extreme anxiety state.
Things got so bad last week that I phoned the mental health nurse.
He was so kind, arranged an emergency meeting with the Consultant and the outcome is that Ken will be going into hospital for a medication assessment in 10 days time.
I am now into unknown territory. What is the usual length of time of the stay in hospital? Would it seem bad of me to go away for a few days whilst husband is in hospital (I badly need a break) or should I visit him each day. What happens about the care worker who comes to the house 3 mornings each week? I pay him by direct payments so should I inform the local social services department? I don't want the care worker to lose out on his payments. I don't want him to find other work whilst husband is away or I might lose this excellent care worker altogether. I think I could justify continuing to pay him as he is prepared to visit the hospital on his care mornings and take husband out for a walk. Has anyone out there advice for me please?
Since his stay in respite his insecurity and anxiety levels have rocketed to an unbelievable level. His obsessive behaviour makes life impossible for me from about 4pm each evening. He paces around, sits rocking himself and hand wringing, constantly checks where my handbag is, where the house keys are etc. I get him ready for bed about 8.30, make him his bedtime drink and give him his tablets. He then goes to bed at about 9pm. Every 10 or 15 minutes he wanders into the living room, checks where I am, sits down for 5 minutes then I have to put him to bed again, kiss him goodnight and tuck him in. This routine lasts all evening until I go to bed myself. I've tried letting him sleep on the sofa but he still gets up every 15 minutes and wants to go to bed. He goes to half day care Saturdays and Sundays and I've been phoned a couple of times and been asked to bring him home as he has got into an extreme anxiety state.
Things got so bad last week that I phoned the mental health nurse.
He was so kind, arranged an emergency meeting with the Consultant and the outcome is that Ken will be going into hospital for a medication assessment in 10 days time.
I am now into unknown territory. What is the usual length of time of the stay in hospital? Would it seem bad of me to go away for a few days whilst husband is in hospital (I badly need a break) or should I visit him each day. What happens about the care worker who comes to the house 3 mornings each week? I pay him by direct payments so should I inform the local social services department? I don't want the care worker to lose out on his payments. I don't want him to find other work whilst husband is away or I might lose this excellent care worker altogether. I think I could justify continuing to pay him as he is prepared to visit the hospital on his care mornings and take husband out for a walk. Has anyone out there advice for me please?