The SW arrived with an assessor. We were able to sit outside for our meeting which made it very pleasant. The SW showed the assessor some of the photographs whilst I made coffee and she was amazed.
With regard to the in-house respite the SW has been very busy in investigating the possibilities and available services. She has discovered it will not to their panel on Thursday but that the Crossroads 24 hr Carers Break Respite Scheme have their own panel. This requires that the SW needs to do a Carers Assessment which we will get done this week. The SW mentioned what was already written about in-house respite for Alan and I asked to see it. I knew that I could explain it much better in my own words because it would be more factual and clearer. I asked if she would like to hear what my thoughts about it were and she did so I told them factually and clearly. I noticed that the assessor was smiling and nodding. The SW then said “I think it would be better if you were able to get just what you've said down in writing and we will use that if you don't mind”. She said she didn't want to put any pressure on me though. I said it would be no problem and that I could do it easily – which I can.
I talked about the mis-communication and asked that I would prefer clear, honest communication even if it meant bad news or it meant waiting. I made it clear that I was very happy about how the past communication problem had been quickly resolved.
I also mentioned TP a lot and that it was clear that the system was not fair. I encouraged this SW to log into TP but forgot to give her a leaflet which I will do next time. She is a carer herself. She re-iterated that by law carers are entitled to a 'life' and the assessor did not disagree. I did ask why carers weren't getting adequate care then if it was law. I told them both that people on TP had rejoiced at the care package offered to me and that they felt that they were doing something right rather than it being a mistake. They agreed that it was right. Again I encouraged the SW to 'take up the wider cause'. I will do my utmost to encourage her to become available on TP.
To cut a long story short, I don't know when or if I will get the w/e in-house respite but I am assured that everyone will give it a good go and that I have been able to state a really strong case as to why it needs to be in-house.
Love
With regard to the in-house respite the SW has been very busy in investigating the possibilities and available services. She has discovered it will not to their panel on Thursday but that the Crossroads 24 hr Carers Break Respite Scheme have their own panel. This requires that the SW needs to do a Carers Assessment which we will get done this week. The SW mentioned what was already written about in-house respite for Alan and I asked to see it. I knew that I could explain it much better in my own words because it would be more factual and clearer. I asked if she would like to hear what my thoughts about it were and she did so I told them factually and clearly. I noticed that the assessor was smiling and nodding. The SW then said “I think it would be better if you were able to get just what you've said down in writing and we will use that if you don't mind”. She said she didn't want to put any pressure on me though. I said it would be no problem and that I could do it easily – which I can.
I talked about the mis-communication and asked that I would prefer clear, honest communication even if it meant bad news or it meant waiting. I made it clear that I was very happy about how the past communication problem had been quickly resolved.
I also mentioned TP a lot and that it was clear that the system was not fair. I encouraged this SW to log into TP but forgot to give her a leaflet which I will do next time. She is a carer herself. She re-iterated that by law carers are entitled to a 'life' and the assessor did not disagree. I did ask why carers weren't getting adequate care then if it was law. I told them both that people on TP had rejoiced at the care package offered to me and that they felt that they were doing something right rather than it being a mistake. They agreed that it was right. Again I encouraged the SW to 'take up the wider cause'. I will do my utmost to encourage her to become available on TP.
To cut a long story short, I don't know when or if I will get the w/e in-house respite but I am assured that everyone will give it a good go and that I have been able to state a really strong case as to why it needs to be in-house.
Love
