Poor care...what next

[HMPsych]

My brother is an adult with learning disabilities. He lives semi independently. My dad provided some support. He has died recently. Over the last 7months, I've noticed real neglect in the standard of living. I've tried to pull services together but the linked provider :to the council has been useless. The main things I have asked for are help with personal care and food safety (throwing old food out of fridge). This happens infrequently

But the care is patchy at best.

When I visited this week I found the following...

1. The washing machine had broken.

2. His fridge freezer was leaking.

3. The fridge is dirty inside.

4. The bath was full of dirt (transpires outside drains have backed up into the house).

5. Newspapers have built up.

I managed to resolve all of these over the weekend. I live out of area. I'm gutted that he is living in semi squalor.

Frequently, carers put washing in the machine but do not take it out so clothes become musty.

I've ended up employing a cleaner to make sure clothes are ironed and the flat is semi clean. He only has care 2 x week and god knows what they do because everything is covered with a light layer or grease and dirt.

I'm in the process of applying for Power of Attorney. I'm also going to move back in next few months. I've applied for wardened housing (he's OK with that).

I'm devastated that his care is so grim. Is there anything I can do?

[Jofisher]

if he’s self neglecting you can raise a self guarding regarding this at adult social services. If your brother has mental capacity and he’s happy for you to be his lasting power of attorney that’s great you’re fortunate as many don’t who like to live this way. If your brother lace tal capacity then you would need a deputyship apologies if you already know this. All the best as it must be really difficult.

[Mybestfriends]

Hi so good your looking out for your Brother & moving back soon. Sadly the hired Workers, will Only do the Hours they are paid to do. So eg if Washing machine doesn't finish intime with hired hours, then you'll probably find it Full & Wet, Sadly. I agree with JoFisher, if you haven't got either Deputyship or Lasting Power of Attorney, chat with your Brother, to have him onside for that. Maybe have a Sign in Sign out for the Hired help, so you know who did what for how long, then if there's a lack of productivity in Chores, you can have a word. Hope you find Warden Assisted. Good on you for being there for your Brother, it is hard being Carer, but Worth it.

[Creamcrackers20]

Hi, surely care twice a week is insufficient to fully maintain your brothers flat and provide an adequate level of personal care. Surely a bigger package of care via the Direct Payment scheme would be in "best interests" for both your brother and yourself.

Yes, do apply for Deputyship, that gives you more chance of being listened to. Being responsible for someone's well being is no mean feat, the County also has a responsibility to your health and welfare. Good luck.

[Tracidu]

Hi , it seems to me that his support package doesnt suit his needs . Its very hard to get good support workers . Direct payments can help him to get more support although you would have to find the carers yourself if your brother lacks capacity .

I have court of protection for my son .so I can speak about his finances , I need to get health and welfare side too .

Its so sad that he is being neglected by his support workers in his surroundings and its so nice that he has you to speak up for him . Good luck and I really hope he gets more hours support as it seems that he needs it now .

[MontyCat]

Hi. I am appalled but sadly not very surprised to hear of the failings in your brother's care. None of this is difficult to remedy - a communication book for care staff to fill in when they come on/go off shift might help with getting tasks completed or chasing up repairs/replacement of faulty items, although if he only has support twice a week this will not hep much with laundry. Leaving him living in the conditions you describe is surely a safeguarding matter. Could you contact your local safeguarding team within the adult care services and raise this as a concern? It may support an increase in support hours and possibly calling the care agency to task. Securing deputyship or power of attorney will give you a stronger voice and help his cause. I hope things improve soon.

[Annabellelily Community friend]

Hi there. I'm so sorry to hear about this situation, it's very disappointing and upsetting to hear he's not receiving adequate care. If you need more avenues to look to than what other's have commented, Mencap’s Learning Disability Helpline could help for specific advice tailored to your area, as they'll likely know best where to point you, on 0808 808 1111 or email them on [e-mail] if you prefer. Wishing you the best of luck

[Blue4rose]

It does sound as though the amount of support provided is insufficient for your brothers needs and the local authority adult services team should review this. It is not clear whether or not you have spoken to whoever is providing the care, they must be aware of the problem and should themselves be able to refer this to social services to request an increase in support. If there are maintenance issues, such as the drains, I would have expected the care provider to make sure it is dealt with one way or another.

[LearningLot]

If the cleaner is working well can you get them incorporated into the care package?