Hi,
I work as a home carer so have a good understanding of how care is given etc but I visit elderly people in their own homes and am struggling t find out the answer to my query
My Dad is in long term residential care (self funded and I have power of attorney for finance and health) and has been for 2 1/2 years following a stroke. We have recently sold his house (his decision) and the care home obviously are aware of this. I live in London and Dad is in Somerset so between my Sister and I we visit on a weekly basis and all other contact is by phone.
He currently has a normal divan bed (provided by the care home) when my Sister visited yesterday she was told that he needed a new bed (hospital type profiling bed) - The reason given is that he is struggling to sleep and needs propping up as he is also having problems breathing/swallowing. I have today spoken to social services (who have had no contact with him for at least 18 months) and was advised that the district nurse would have to do a needs assessement.
As far as my Sister advises me is that they are expecting us to buy this bed for him - now as its a "need" should they be providing the bed? He is completely wheelchair bound so its not as if we can take him anywhere for a "fitting"
I dont particularly like the care home but it was his decision to stay in Somerset and he is happy there - I dont want to bow down to there ever increasing demands so hope that someone can give some impartial advice.
Thank you
I work as a home carer so have a good understanding of how care is given etc but I visit elderly people in their own homes and am struggling t find out the answer to my query
My Dad is in long term residential care (self funded and I have power of attorney for finance and health) and has been for 2 1/2 years following a stroke. We have recently sold his house (his decision) and the care home obviously are aware of this. I live in London and Dad is in Somerset so between my Sister and I we visit on a weekly basis and all other contact is by phone.
He currently has a normal divan bed (provided by the care home) when my Sister visited yesterday she was told that he needed a new bed (hospital type profiling bed) - The reason given is that he is struggling to sleep and needs propping up as he is also having problems breathing/swallowing. I have today spoken to social services (who have had no contact with him for at least 18 months) and was advised that the district nurse would have to do a needs assessement.
As far as my Sister advises me is that they are expecting us to buy this bed for him - now as its a "need" should they be providing the bed? He is completely wheelchair bound so its not as if we can take him anywhere for a "fitting"
I dont particularly like the care home but it was his decision to stay in Somerset and he is happy there - I dont want to bow down to there ever increasing demands so hope that someone can give some impartial advice.
Thank you