Adult Social Services - the elderly - can anyone offer some insight?

[sueper]

Hi,

I really don't know if there is anyone who can help me with this but I thought I'd give this forum a try.

I'm looking for some insight as to what involvement SS might have with an elderly person. I can't find much online.

The elderly person is my mother who has for sometime clearly have some health issues but despite my lest efforts and those of my siblings we've not managed to get her or her husband to take it seriously. I spoke to her GP who said if she has dementia then not much can be done, it's just a death sentence etc. He did arrange a brain scan for her which she said was fine which I cannot believe. She has obvious cognitive problems on her left side - messages not coming form the brain?

Anyway, on Monday she fell down twice requiring paramedics twice. On the first occasion she refused to go to hospital despite the paramedics advice who were very concerned for her. They however arrange for social services to attend who I'm told will be installing handrails etc. On the 2nd fall she has no choice but to go into hospital (after being on the floor for 7 hours & in desperate need of a pee!).

What I want to know is if social services are likely to do anything else & is it normal to call them in just to put in handrails?

There are clearly significant problems & in my view she cannot safely stay in her home but I simply cannot get her or her husband to see sense (I've been banging on about if for years now).

Anyway, any insider knowledge would be really helpful. I do have the SS contact info & I know the hospital are asking lots of probing questions (she's still in), so things may finally improve.

TIA

[sassy59]

Hello sueper, you ask a very interesting question. I’m sure social services can do quite a bit for elderly people so let’s hope your dear mum gets that help.

It is very difficult to get elderly people to accept that things aren’t going as well as they should. So many are fiercely independent.

I hope your mum recovers well and realised she needs help. Do let us know how things go.

Take care xxxxx

[sueper in reply to sassy59]

Thanks. I am hopeful, even if the news is not good hopefully she'll get the help she needs.

[sassy59 in reply to sueper]

I’m thinking of you all. Xxx

[Ostrigko in reply to sassy59]

I understand that you are currently installing shower tiles.

[Hidden]

Hi sueper, It's a worry I know, particularly with falls and I'm glad that your mum's going to get a social services assessment. They are usually pretty thorough, and try to look at the situation as a whole. I'm sure your input, or that of your siblings would be taken into consideration when they do the assessment.

It's particularly hard when the person concerned isn't really aware (or is in denial of a problem). You can help there too, but repeating gently that the danger from falling needs to be addressed.

Gosh your mum's GP didn't mince his words, did he? I've never heard a medical professional putting things quite that bluntly and it's really not helpful.

I do hope that you will get some practical advice on your way forward. You may not get the perfect package for your mum, but I think that social services can do more than just install hand rails! Do let us know how things go!

[sueper in reply to Hidden]

Thanks so much. Looks like she maybe moved to a rehab hospital so that's a step in the right direction. She obviously can't have visitors and the doctors are not in touch with my stepdad so currently we have no idea what's going on. We'll let the hospital get on with it for a while then start pressing for more info.

[Gambit62]

assuming you are in the UK then Social Services do have a duty of care and anyone can report a concern. There was some modification of local council's duty of care at the start of COVID-19.

Suggest you contact citizen's advice

citizensadvice.org.uk/

[sueper in reply to Gambit62]

Thanks.

[katieoxo60]

Hello Sueper, glad your mum is at least in hospital for assessment. Many things are not going well since lockdown in March. I managed to get an assessment of changed needs, but there is very little else available unless its an emergency.

Normally in the case of falls an assessment of home circumstances and general health , plus emotional health such as progressive dementia , depression ect would be done however Covid 19 is taking high priority right now over all other emergencies.

Falls can be caused by varied things in an older person , make sure the hospital check your mum thoroughly as sadly your Gps comment is not far from the truth. My thoughts are with you and every best wish for a good outcome . Keep well & stay safe you will need all your strength to deal with this unexpected change.

[sueper in reply to katieoxo60]

Thanks Katie. The hospital have now confirmed she has a cognitive impairment but no actual diagnosis & they are sending her to a rehab hospital so a step in the right direction I hope.

[katieoxo60 in reply to sueper]

Sounds very positive at present . Every best Wish for a speedy outcome.

[Kanyoper]

Oh, as I understand you, I have not yet encountered such a situation because my parents are not very old. Still, I will always be ready for this conversation. And I understand that many old people cannot accept that they can no longer live as before and need to take medications and undergo treatment. I think this is the situation with your mom, so it's good that she finally went to the hospital. I think she will be better there than at home. If I were you, I would visit her as often as possible. If you have the opportunity, you should buy a hoist for standing from shelden-healthcare.co.uk/pa... for her when she arrives home so that it would be easier for her to move around the house.