Poorly Dad.

[Alba2019]

My Dad is 72 and relies on oxygen to get through a day. He sleeps a lot. Retains water. Is on a heck of a lot of tablets . Not in a great place.

My mum says he cannot be left alone for very long as he might fall over. His legs are in a bad way.

It’s very sad for the both of them and I wanted to know if on a good day there are any local days out for him so that mum can have some time out from caring. Not too sure if this is the right place to ask but it’s a start. They are in the BN41 area

Thanks

Jo

[Prada47]

Hello Alba

BN41 am I correct in that is Brighton & Hove area ? I think just putting that may help people to help you . You say your father is 72 that's not old nowadays ( says he rapidly approaching 72 ) is his problems Heart related or Lung problems ?? I think giving your GP or even local Hospital rehab unit a call to ask for advice/information may be well worthwhile.

Regards

[Alba2019 in reply to Prada47]

Yes he’s way too young to be so ill but sadly that’s the way it is. Heart, lung, prostate cancer you name it he’s got it. He is in Mike Oak which is about 6 miles from Brighton.

He has been ill for the last 10 years. Doesn’t sleep for more than 2 hours at a stretch.

He’s long suffering.

[Calliope153]

nhs.uk/conditions/social-ca...

This link may be of some help to you. Also local Citizen's Advice Bureau is worth a try for info.

Many people don;t like to have "strangers" sitting in with them and entirely reject even the thought of letting their carer out of sight- is there anyone, who knows your dad, who would be willing to be with your dad while your mum goes to get her hair done/out to the shops? Any break is good for a fulltime carer. Good luck as this is a very difficult subject both for your dad and your mum and you will need to approach even suggesting things very diplomatically.

[Alba2019 in reply to Calliope153]

There’s me ! But I’m not always available.

I will indeed check this all out.

Thank you .

[Laura71]

Has he had a full assessment of his needs by his local adult social care team? That’s usually to starting point to access help and respite care. You can just phone them and ask for one. Appreciate that’s not exactly what you asked but it can be the way in.

Is he getting attendance allowance, for example? Age UK can visit and help fill out the form as it’s quite long (they do on my area so hopefully in yours).

Also, could he/you ask for a medication review from a GP in his practice who you trust the most? Sometimes no overall assessment of all the medications a person is on, and any interactions, is made.

[Alba2019]

He has been in hospital a few times since Xmas so his meds are reviewed tweaked if you like. Water tablets affect his potassium so they then reduce them then up goes the water around his organs and he swells and things stop working so well. He has a visit from martletts about how life at home can be made easier. Bath access bed rails garden railings etc all been installed.

It’s just mum needing time out but she’s not keen on leaving him. If he has in great hands then she can also relax and enjoy herself a little.

My dads cognitive function is also diminishing and he has no appetite.

He loves music and chatting. Just wondered if there was any days out ( hour out ) with experienced carers.