Hi there everyone,
I'm sure I'm not alone in having problems dealing with the SS. My mam started showing signs of dementia about four years ago (my gran had AD and the behaviour patterns are almost identical). As I don't live close by I asked Social Services to step in as there were a number of concerns regarding her safety and vulnerability. My sister and her family, who moved in with her after my dad died, had been taking money from her for years and continued to do so after they moved out over three years ago(leaving no forwarding address and a pile of bills which are still coming!). Money has still been disappearing, despite appointeeship being given to SS, along with instructions not to give my mother large amounts of cash (she NEVER leaves the house and does not do any shopping). Before Christmas 2008, the police were brought in to investigate yet another cash 'disappearance'. No charges were brought as my mother would be an unreliable witness! Needless to say, SS failed to inform me about any of these incidents for reasons they have yet to explain.
Anyhow, the main thing I am concerned about at the moment is that a 'Safeguarding' meeting was set up after the police involvement (guess who wasn't invited or even told about it) and it was decided to put a SAFE in my mam's house! So as well as worrying about her dementia I now have the fear of a bogus caller discovering this device and the possible aftermath of that. It is not particularly well hidden and of course, my mam couldn't possibly give the combination. Despite her mental state and frailty, she is still a feisty lady who would tackle anyone getting through the door rather than run outside for help. Yes, it may be just hypothetical but it sure as hell scares the wits out of me. I have made a formal complaint about this (and other issues whish the SS are failing on, unfortunately) but the general consensus is that 'action will be taken, meetings will be set up etc etc' whilst everyone shuffles the problem from one department/worker to another. I have no doubt that action will indeed be taken, after something serious happens as is usually the case with the SS. No wonder they have such a pathetic reputation for getting things wrong!
Worried sick
Jemima