Mum has just been admitted to A&E via paramedics due to another fall. My dad has been really ill and in hospital for 9 days so have been backwards n forwards to visit twice a day so Mum not had any rest. Last few days she has been even more off balance than usual. (Usually in wheel chair or walker but needs transporting from bed to commode) however falls are increasing again. She has fallen 3 times in 3 days and this has been whilst assisted. Last two days has been a lot worse and now have to consider a hoist.
In hospital and due to her cognition when asked where the pain is she is unable to tell them it hurts. She is saying it’s fine but when I ask her differently she can tell me. They are currently taking bloods and X-ray on hip back and shoulder. The nurse and porter literally ran with her in trolly making a joke of how fast they could go. Not taking into account her anxiety. They then took her through double doors and when I asked Mum if she was ok they were just rude and closed the door on me and my daughter. Does anyone know what I should be doing to help (I will be complaining) I am at a loss with how to help her.
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Sarah1972
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Get someone senior and tell them she has PSP - A degenerative brain condition and that whilst she might have capacity her communication is skewed, but that you can communicate with her.
Offer to 'translate' make it clear to them that failure to include you is negligent and that you will follow through on that.
Do not be frightened - this is the language they understand.
Tell the staff and whoever is in charge you have PoA and consider yourself her advocate for medical issues since she has been diagnosed with PSP, explain in layman's terms if they don't know what PSP is. I made a PDF of my PoA and durable power of healthcare, copied it to my phone so I always have it. Since dad is primarily seen at the local VA hospital I have a copy on file there and one other hospital that is closer for emergencies.
Thanks to everyone responding. It really was pot luck to see if I might get a response. This site has again proved to be so invaluable.
Anyway spoke to a doctor who then gave us the fastest results ever and all x rays were clear and CT scan. He even asked if I wanted Mum to stay in for the night, which I declined as she was scared and very anxious at this point and thinking I was going to leave her would have just increased her anxiety.
I think all the stress of her husband/my dad been so ill that the last few weeks has really took it out of her and that shitty PSP has taken that little bit more from her yet again.
Thank you all again so much i really do appreciate you all xxx
If you still want to complain ask for form from the hospital. PALS is the organisation that acts as advocate for patients/relatives who are unhappy with hospital services.
What a lot on your plate. How on earth are you coping?
I have no idea Rosemary 😳 Mum now laid up full of cold. Just hoping it isn’t flu. They did check her chest yesterday and all was clear so something positive for today x
Sarah you have had a lot of replies so won't repeat. Glad you told the doctor and make sure the fact you have Power of Autorney is on his notes too! Just in case?
If UK based PALS is where you should make a formal complaint. They are, I believe, in all hospitals. Xx
You have a handful and are handling it very very well. My mother has anxiety anytime my father leaves the house for an errand or short trip. We try to acknowledge it in a calm empathetic way. I would encourage that in the hospital or anywhere she is at with you....just be calm with her and the others (even knuckleheads). If apart from your mother and the opportunity presents itself, then educate the knuckleheads in a calm and articulate manner about PSP. From my experience with my mother and her PSP, most of the medical community has never heard of it and needs some education. Even our lovely and capable Hospice Nurse had never heard of it when she initially began visiting my mother, but she is onboard now. Hospice has been a god send for us here in Pennsylvania.
Before reading all the replies I totally agree with Kevin, get someone senior for help and fast! I’m probably too late in responding now....I can understand exactly how you feel, I’ve been there with my dad and various non caring professionals in hospital, don’t take any sh** off anyone else they will keep doing a poor job! Thinking of you x
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