My dad has dementia and currently lives alone with help from myself and my sister, which has obviously been less due to lockdown and the fact that I am having to shield. We also both work every day. My dad has hallucinated (seeing people and animals) on and off for some time but was happy once he understood they weren't real. The last couple of weeks we have become more concerned about him on his own. The last couple of days he feels he should be doing something at work. He also says why does he have to go in to work to open up and lock up each day when he is retired. He is merely locking up his own house and seems unable to know where he actually is. He often says is this my house and seems worried? We speak to him few times a day and he is still able to microwave a meal , wash and dress himself Etc. What my sister and I want to know is what do we do next? Contact Adult Social Services ? He has days where he is mostly ok and we are not sure how he would react to someone coming to check he has eaten etc. Also he may be more confused in the afternoon than the morning or vice versa and a carer may come when he's ok and not when he isn't. He is very awkward about getting other people involved but we are worried he is deteriorating . Would a carer once a day be enough? Sorry for the muddled post but am worried about what to do the best.
Where do we go next for help?
- Thread starter Alibunchy
- Start date
Yes contact social services and ask for a needs assessment. It sounds as though your dad needs help now. SS should assess how many visits he will need a day but it’s best if you or your sister can be there to point out what you feel are the problems he needs help with.
Yes, I agree, contact Adult Social Services. T%hey should have a department specialising in the elderly. I agree with Bunpoots (above), best if you and/or your sister could be there.
I agree with all of the above and like you I was sceptical at first but when the first carer came I was pleasantly surprised when they sat down and watched TV together leaving able to go out and meet friends and not worry for the first time in weeks.
Good luck
MaNaAk
Good luck
MaNaAk
