Dad advice please

[rhianej]

Hi. My dad is in an EMI nursing part of a care home. Advanced stages of psp. He has hit another resident and triggered an emergency meeting to assess safety etc. They have placed another member of staff on at my dads high risk times of agitation for a week to see if this helps. There is a possibility of him being moved tp the local hospital mental health unit with drug addicts etc. Any advice please?

[ssdw1958]

I would let them know you do not want that your dad doesn't need that there must be another way he doesn't belong in that section especially when he is not a convicted. Stand up for your dad are you the only sibling if not get your siblings envolved in his car.

Ask his doctor what can be done maybe if you get enough people involved in his care that might help. Good luck!

[Spiralsparkle]

From the meeting they need to determine what caused him to hit out.

I think I've read somewhere before that the dementia part of a care home is not ideal for PSP /CBD patients but everyone is individual too and it is a nursing home not just residential for dementia. Have you been happy with the care so far?

He certainly does not belong in a mental health unit, his needs would not be met there. I'd state that clearly now it is not an option and a review of his care /support plan needed to meet his changing needs.

There could be a number of reasons maybe an infection, other patient annoying him or wandering around, change of meds needed to help alleviate agitation but I'm a believer all triggers should be identified and lessened before throwing pills at someone. If they are placing a suitable member of staff with him to help at trigger times that should help meet his needs.

[Heady]

I agree, don't let them put your Dad in a mental health unit. He has not got a mental illness. Just PSP, that due to THEIR negligence, got out of control. It's you that should be calling for meetings to determine what they did wrong and how they are going to improve in the future.

Best of luck.

Sending big hug and much love

Lots of love

Anne

[Kevin_1]

Hi rhianej

This must be distressing for you all.

If you are in England then you will most likely find that he would be moved to an EMI Psych. ward. These are only for EMI folk and not other adults. Some of the ones I have seen are very nice indeed, better than many nursing homes, single rooms and higher staff to patient ratios.

Things that should be discussed at that meeting are the circumstances leading up to the incident. Was he provoked? Were there any particular circumstances which lead to the event. Was this a singular event or has he been prone to angry outbursts?

Be wary of a common and not always helpful solution of sedating him. This should only be done if he would be more settled in himself and would benefit himself. Not for the benefit of others ever! Sedation is not an acceptable solution to others safety. It is colloquially referred to as the chemical cosh!

Next. If you are in the UK then this will be an Adult Safeguarding meeting. He possibly has the right to represented. Technically it is the other patient being safeguarded though. Ask to be present and if they say 'no' ask who is representing him. He has a right to representation if it involves clinical planning for him. Moving unit is clinical planning too.

I do hope this helps a little.

Best to you both

Kevin

Edit: Sorry folks - I took so long to write my post I did not see the ones above - agreeing.

[Noella21]

I agree. Your dad needs an advocate. Your dad is as much a victim as the person he hit. All the above questions need to be investigated and you need to see that his best interest is what this meeting is about. That the solution is not chemical restraints or phyc. Ward.This must be so hard for you. I am so sorry that this happening to you.