Caring for My Aunt with Dementia

[Neathers]

Hi,

My 90 years old Aunt (a second mum really) is in the final stages of dementia and is now at the stages of neither eating or drinking without a high level of 'Prompting'.

She has been in a care home for the last year but, to be honest, they are very poor in their quality of care and have been reprimanded several times for their lack of understanding. Although they purport to be "Specialists in Dementia Care", they are very poor.

Currently in a Leicester hospital because she contracted what the care home called a "Mild Chest Infection" - the Consultant at the hospital, however, classified it as Pneumonia - she is recovering but is now approaching 'End of Life stages'.

We really can't bear the idea of her going to end her days in the Care Home, so my partner and I want to bring her home to us to make her last weeks as happy and comfortable as possible. My partner is a trained carer.

We will need additional personal care support - as well as equipment like a 'Hospital Type' bed, Slide sheets and other items / packages - but I have no idea who to approach to get them - and get them quickly enough to bring her here instead of being discharged to the home.

Any ideas who we approach to get the equipment we need please?

Thank you

[sassy59]

Hi Neathers, that’s such a wonderful thing to do for your aunt.

Can you speak with someone at the hospital and explain your intentions? They should be able to help or put you in touch with those who can.

I hope everything works out for all of you. Xxxxx

[Hellebelle]

Please ask to speak to the discharge team. The Occupational Therapists will usually organise the bed etc. Please ask for a meeting and tell them of your intentions and ask for continuing health care end of life funding if you feel you will need more help from carers who can also visit. Also the Marie Curie nurses if available can sit with your Aunt at night so you can get some sleep. It is a lovely thing that you are doing but please ask for help as well as it could be very hard emotional work. It is so important how people die not just for themselves but for their loved ones. The memories stay with you. I wish you well and hope it all works out well for you. I think you are doing a wonderful thing. xxx

[MAS_Nurse]

Hi Neathers and welcome to this caring forum. As Hellebelle has posted, it is a lovely thing you are doing, but please ask for some help. I would just like to add the following information----

Dementia UK

dementiauk.org

Admiral nurses provide the specialist dementia support that families need. Admiral nurses work with people and families affected by all types of dementia.

Carers.help and support- Citizens Advice

citizensadvice.org.uk/famil....

Please have a look at the pinned posts section on the website where you will find some helpful information. Do stay on the forum for support from other members and let us know how you are getting on.

Thank you and best wishes.

[Hidden]

Hi Neathers,

Welcome to this community, and may I say how lovely of you both to do this for your aunt at this last stage of her time with you.

You've had the very best advice from others already and I can't add anything to that at all. I just want to wish you well and hope that you get every help in making your aunt comfortable at the end of her life. Bless you all and very best wishes.