help for elderly father

[Holiday12345]

hi in U.K. elderly father in law living on own in England gone down hill rapidly very depressed been trying to get out of bed since 6am todaynow 12 can’t motivate himself but turns down help we offer says he’s fine. We’re away on holiday. Has had initial assessment few weeks ago where he turned down people coming in to help out. We will contact his GP tomorrow am and try get help to come out to his house that was offered by council/social? But we don’t know what is available and how to get immediate help. He is 85. Any suggestions?

[Simswim]

Definitely get a care needs assessment from social services, for your father. You can also ask for a carer's assessment to see what support you can get - social and financial. You can get a financial assessment from social services to look at any financial support for care, alternatively contact a local charity and you should be able to get a benefits check and apply for Attendance Allowance in your not already receiving it. Try Age Concern or Age UK or an equivelent in your area. Certainly contact with the GP is a great idea if someone is depressed. Try to identify whether he needs more social contact, activities or whether there are other things causing his low mood. An OT and/or physio assessment may help if mobility issues are present, through social services. A daycentre or a volunteer befriender may be useful if someone is lonely. The system is complicated so support from, Social Services and charities is useful for info and practical support. You could also try NHS 111 if things are not moving forward or GP.

[Holiday12345 in reply to Simswim]

thank you for all this information that’s a huge help. Will contact GP tomorrow… have just spoken with Age U.K. (which was really good). Feel like we have a direction and some idea of what to do now. Next problem will be getting him to agree to any help but as it has gotten so bad he will have to be persuaded. Thank you for taking the time to write out all that information. Very much appreciated

[Simswim in reply to Holiday12345]

No problem! Hope things work out well.

[Budapest]

You may be able to also find useful information on the following website.......

agespace.org/

[Holiday12345 in reply to Budapest]

thank you I’ll take a look