Hi all,
I’m looking for advice or anyone with experience of getting a 24/7 care package approved and put in place by the local authority. I have done some research but can't see what the scenario would be for emergencies. the NHS website does not seem clear to me.
My dad had a severe stroke a few months ago and his needs have been getting worse. He has significant mobility issues, increasing delirium at night, like literally does not sleep till 7am. And might have naps for a few hours at a time. We've tried to undo this multiple times but it's been impossible, especially with some of the medication he needs. Every night is becoming unsafe and unpredictable. He also has a PEG feed, requires flushing throughout the day, needs full support with personal care, and is chesty with ongoing health issues.
He cannot be left alone at all. He lives at home with mum and sister but mum is also elderly and sister works. Rest of us muck in where possible, including me who has a 14 month old and am currently in the middle of moving as well. It's been hell. When we left the hospital, the 4 visits a day is the care package we were given because they were under the assumption that we would be there with him all the time. We put our lives on hold for the 3 months he was in hospital but it's no longer possible.
Adult Social Care is coming soon to review his current package, and I want to explain that he genuinely needs 24/7 carers now because the situation is becoming unmanageable and unsafe. Like he genuinely cannot be left unsupervised for 1 moment. He can get incredibly violent with us out of frustration and his confusion makes him a danger to himself. Although he can't move his right side very well, he's very good with his left lol.
For anyone who has been through this, once the social worker agrees that 24/7 care is necessary, how long did it take for the council to actually put it in place? Do they provide any interim support while waiting for the full package to start? This week we are losing 2/4 siblings so we have no idea how well do this. We can't stay awake day and night.
If your family member had similar high needs such as PEG feeding, delirium, stroke complications or night-time risks, how quickly did they receive increased support? Weeks? Months? Any tips for helping them understand the urgency?
Thank you in advance. I am exhausted and want to make sure he is properly cared for.