Personal care.

[justjill_uk]

So I am now starting on the journey having admitted that I cannot wash myself. Who else has begun this journey and what advice do I need? Tomorrow I ask Citizens Advice for help.

[Caspiana]

Hello justjill_uk . 🌸

It does take a lot of courage to admit that there are things we cannot do for ourselves anymore. My mother in law lost her ability to do many things, she had dementia and it was brutally progressive. She was unable to take a bath by herself eventually, initially she did not like the fact that I washed and dried her, but after awhile it became part of our day. 😊 And I knew she always felt happy and good after it. She lost many things to dementia but not her ability to smile.

I am sure the citizen's advice bureau, or maybe age concern can point you in the right direction as to how to get the help you need. I think you are doing the right thing getting help, it will improve your quality of life, I am pretty sure of that.

Please do keep us updated. Take good care.

Cas xx 🌞🐞

[mrsmummy]

Hi. You got some good advice in your earlier post. You can read it here: healthunlocked.com/blf/post....

[Dumba]

Yes that is a shame, although your doctor should be able to help with a care management referral, make sure you apply for PIP as well, if you have not already done so. Good luck, like Cas says you will feel much better. When I am ill I just have to go unwashed, and the best part of getting better is a lovely bath, which you can get with help and the correct aids. Good luck x

[lKeith]

justjill_uk

Have just come out of hospital and have had to accept the same. You may be entitled to a carer, citizens advice will probably tell you. Try to seek out your nearest palliative care team, they have contacts with various carer providers and can tell you whether this will need to be self funding or an entitlement.

If you have trouble locating a palliative care team try this number & I am sure they will be able to give a local number for your area 01273 523021.

IKeith

[stamford1234]

So sorry to hear this, hopefully the CAB can assist. Good luck, you seem to be taking the right path towards help.

[Johnem]

Ask your Nurse Specialist or GP to refer you to your local Community Matron. She will be able to get the Managing Physio to call and assess any physical help that they will freely give and install, eg walking frame with brake & strong bag, any extra stair rails, hand grabs, height adjustable chairs for sinks and showers etc and other stuff. Plus tell you how to conserve your energy units so that you can use it for doing the things most important to you.

My C. Matron is quite young, an ex ER Sister who has seen most things, young, yes, but a Bulldog at getting for her patients the care that she knows is available and that you are entitled to. Oh, and if you need it, she'll fast track you a GP appointment or get a doctor out to you.

Please do this, you will get 100% support from her/him and her team of district nurses.

Best wishes,

John.

[justjill_uk in reply to Johnem]

Thank you.