Social workers

[Debsoxford]

What is the purpose of them apart from assessment and not giving a constructive answer on anything. I've been involved with a few of them in my work as a professional carer and although I've never thought they understood care and supporting people now I'm involved in my husband's care after speaking to the man who's been assigned to my husband's case my view has changed dramatically!!! I'm sure nobody here will be surprised to hear they are a total and utter waste of space!! I after speaking to him on the telephone demanded that he meet me in my husband's room (yes very lucky to have a room BUT the call bell didn't work!) He can armed with a nurse (we were on level 7 of JR hospital ) she tried to defend him and his stupid comments when he did deem to speak! I actually asked them if they would both be happy with the conditions we find ourselves in if it was their relative? They at least did both have the Grace to drop their heads! I can't believe that somebody who has a ilife limiting illness is told "to carry his mobile" to the toilet in case he falls I questioned what if I'm not there and he knocks himself out? She replied well bell have his frame in 2 days!! The NHS/social services (and I use that word very loosely) are saving a fortune because I have given up work so i can be at home full-time YET we at the moment will get NO support because I will be at home!! Sorry bit of a rant and there may possibly be a SW who cares/listens and actually takes some action apart from assessing and checking with his boss in oxfordshire or in the country but I will take some convincing!!!

[Hidden]

Whew Debsoxford,

You really needed that, I can tell, and I hope you’re feeling a little bit better for it. That particular social worker doesn’t know how lucky he is that this forum’s here to help you let off steam! I hope his ears are well and truly burning now! I’m sure that there must be social workers somewhere who are worth their salt but clearly you’re going to take quite a bit of convincing. Very best wishes to both of you.

[Hellebelle]

There are so many people I am afraid who aren't getting the care they deserve. I work with elderly people and it is a complete lottery as to the care you are given. It is a mystery to me why the powers that be did not see this coming and prepare. We have an aging population with complex care needs and because of the lack of services, the family are expected to provide care. Together with this, the fact that many people are not able to retire until they are mid to late 60s means that we have people juggling work and care or as in your case, having to give up work altogether. I am sorry for your situation and hope you have some other family or friends you can call on for help. There are carers organisations who should offer you some respite care and other services. I wish you well.

[Gambit62]

Also in Oxfordshire and have serious concerns about the competence of some social workers. Had one evaluate my mother and the report said that she had no sight problems (has severe macular degeneration and is functionally blind in one eye), but that she used a walking frame (which she doesn't. When I raised these issues I was told that my concerns would be put as a note on the file because my mother's case had been closed. I'm sure that the social worker mixed up notes of two people in the same block of flats so there is someone out there that badly needs and assessment for mobility issues within her flat but isn't getting it.

Doesn't really help with solving the problem ...

[MAS_Nurse]

Hello Debsoxford, Like Callendersgal I hope you feel better for getting that of your chest.

Now I hope we can provide you with some practical information. There is a process if you wish to complain. Maybe your local CAB office could help with that and give you the correct information for you to make a complaint, if that is now what you wish to do.

Also there are organisations that again maybe able to give you practical advice and help. We are aware that there is a charity that will sit with your loved one to enable you to have some time off and give you a well earned break from the caring role. Perhaps exploring some of the information might help you for the future. We do hope so.

carersuk.org

crossroadscare.co.uk

ageuk.org.uk

Best wishes to you

MAS Nurse and Moderator.

[Jacki66]

Hi. I am a nurse (part time) and a full time carer to my severely disabled young husband. I agree with you 100% from a professional point of view and a carer point of view. Absolute incompetence to the point of where I simply will not have them assess us ever again. I’ve never known anything like it to be honest!

[Bootdog]

Absolutely agree. They seem deliberately stupid and on the rare occasions that they say they will do something, it takes months to only half happen.