Finding a carer for Mum who will lift her

[Rich_con]

Hi all, my Mum, who is 82 was diagnosed with CBD two years ago and my Dad is her carer, he is also 82.

We have looked into private carers to come and help Dad but the big agencies such as Bluebird say that they are not allowed to "lift" the patient so they can't help with helping Mum get out of her chair/ bed / toilet etc. The level of care that Mum needs now in terms of mobility is getting beyond Dad but there seems little point in arranging a carer if they can't help with anything they consider to be lifting.

They live in Surrey and what I think we need is a self employed carer who is not bound by an agencies rules when it comes to lifting.

My brother has been recommended Home Touch who are an introductory service for self employed carers. Thier website says that all carers are vetted etc and the feedback on Trust Pilot and most of the profiles seem to indicate that the carers can and will lift.

I was wondering if anyone had had any experience of Home Touch or knows of any other ways of getting in touch with trustworthy private carers in Surrey.

Any tips or experience would be very much appreciated.

Richard

[Yvonneandgeorge]

I am sure no care companies will be able to lift your mum, without a hoist x

[Satt2015 in reply to Yvonneandgeorge]

I'm afraid I agree with Yvonne! Lifting without a hoist is dangerous to both patients and carers!! Whereabouts in Surrey are you?

[cabbagecottage]

She needs an assessment withan OT as soon as possible .

[FoggyBay in reply to cabbagecottage]

I agree completely with cabbagecottage. We have had support from an occupational therapist (OT) all the way along. First we had a Ross Return stand table when R could pull himself up to a standing position, then an Oxford standaid which has a sling to go around his middle and then lifts him mechanically (which we currently use), and just this week we received a hoist for over the bed because it is increasingly difficult to get him in and, especially, out of bed. All of this has been provided on the NHS - as it should be - and your carers should know this and be encouraging and helping you, if you need it, to get this kit in place. Try going to your GP and getting referred to an OT.

Good luck!

[jzygirl]

I do private care and I will not lift anyone without equipment ie hoist or handling belt. Because if anything happens like the service user gets hurt then any insurance is null and void and the carers can be struck off and unable to do the job again. Also if the carers gets hurt there would be no help for them. Don't forget you are only given one back and if you damage that it is a lifetime of pain.

I used to care for my husband and I broke every rule in the book regarding moving and handling but it was a case of helping him the old fashion way.... but if an outside carer did what I was doing it would of gone ape.( And yes it is a case of double standards) get your mum assessed and get the proper equipment in place then the care agency will have no problem assisting her. The best place to start is sociol services.

Hope this helps. Jane xx

[cabbagecottage in reply to jzygirl]

I am the same the OTs are my best friends .. brilliant equipment

I suffer with my neck and back because I went over and above the safety level .

[Tugun]

Hi,

Is there a problem with getting a hoist? There are standing hoists which may be easier for your mother. An Occupational Therapy assessment sounds like a good idea.

[cabbagecottage in reply to Tugun]

Ceiling hoists are brill with bed downstairs . I got rid of furniture but I still have John . No contest

[Kevin_1]

Hi Richard

First off: Have you applied for care from: Community Health Care. This involves an assessment of her needs and they put the care agency in too. (G.P. will make the referral).

If she does not qualify try the Social Services. Unlike CHC it is means tested, but even if you are going to pay they assess her needs and ensure that the care is suitable and they will find an agency. (G.P. again will make a referral).

Around our way it was all but impossible to find an agency privately and we gave up. We were advised to search on Gumtree. There are private carers there, but you are taking a risk if you are not in the home to check the quality. A good agency does continuous training for its staff. A private carer going off sick or having a holiday can be problematic.

Yes, no carer is allowed to lift - health and safety. However there are devices such as turntables and hoists to help with transfers. Get her GP to make a referral to Occupational Therapy. They are the experts on this and they supply any equipment on loan.

I hope this helps a little.

Best

Kevin

[Rich_con]

Thank you very much everyone. The OH had already been involved but following your replies I have been back to them and now they are going to provide much more to help so thank you very much.