Social Services

[tcarthy]

My mother has alzheimers & it took me a long struggle at actually get social services involved. The problem I am having now is getting any information from them - although I did get my mother to sign a letter allowing them to give me the information.
Has anyone else had these problems & would you have any suggestions as to how I can get the information I need?
I don't even live in England & can't be travelling over on a very regular basis.

Any suggestions would be most appreciated

Theresa

 

[Angela]

Obviously it depends on wat info u need.
Post more info and we can c how we may be able to advise. Where do u live? Is anyone else caring for Mum? Where does she live? etc
x

 

[tcarthy]

information

I Angela, thanks for the reply. What I want from social services is a copy of the care assessment & care plan. I'd also like to know if mum is receiving any couselling - she knows what she has.
Mum is married & my step father will not give anyone any information & doesn't seem to be coping - either financially or by meeting mums basic needs. I don't mean to sound harsh about him - I always got along with him OK - but the past year or so has shown a side of him that I never knew existed & I'm finding it difficult to come to terms with that & with mum's illness.

Social Services were quoting "confidentiallity" but they wouldn't even comment about it they were happy with the way things were going. As I said they are in receipt of a letter from mum saying I can get the information & the team leader did ring me & say I could have what ever I wanted - but I've received nothing. Actually, it wasn't until I threatened to go to a solicitor that I got any information. I may have to go to a solicitor when I go over.
I live in Ireland by the way. Any suggestions??
Theresa

 

[Angela]

I dont know if you can actually recieve a copy of the assessment and care plan, I know carers are given copies of theirs, hopefully someone else will be able to advise on this.
Unfortunately ur Step dad will be ur Mums main carer, and next of kin, so he may well have the copy and ur not likely to see that one.
Wat i would advise is that you write a letter to S/S detailing all that you have outlined here, ur concerns, the fact that the TL said they would send you details and havent.
I'm afraid the solicitor you may seek out will probably tell you that there is little you can do.
Socail services, prefably, a specialist SW in MH, will be able to listen to ur concerns and advise you accordingly.
In the meantime, contact ur Mums local AS branch, you can get their deatils from the main web site, and they will be able to give you more localised advice.
Personal message me if you like, telling me where Mum lives and I will get you the details.
Sorry Im not much help
x