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Bill
Bill was admitted to hospital following several falls over the previous few months. He
had become increasingly unhappy during his stay and wanted to return home. Medical staff were
concerned about his wife’s ability to look after him and had begun looking for a place in
residential care. Both Bill and his wife wanted him home, although his wife was resisting a support
package being put into place.
The Mental Health Advocacy service were contacted by the
hospital discharge team. They were concerned that Bill's feelings would not be adequately
represented at a best interest meeting that had been arranged by the hospital.
We were contacted at approx 3.00pm and informed the best interest meeting was due to
take place at 10.00am the following morning. We contacted Bill’s wife to inform her we had
been asked to attend. At first she was doubtful that an advocate was needed but raised no objection
to someone being there.
Before the meeting the advocate visited Bill to explained who they were and what their
role would be. Bill asked that the advocate attend on his behalf. The advocate also had an
opportunity to speak to Bill’s wife and obtain more information about the home circumstances.
She agreed to reconsider her original decision to refuse a support package if it meant Bill could
come home.
The advocate put forward Bill’s wishes at the best interest meeting and combined
with his wife’s change of heart and a review of his medication it was agreed he could return
home once his new medication was stabilised.
Alice
Alice's family were finding it increasingly difficult to cope with the symptoms of her
dementia. Her husband, whose own mobility was becoming worse, found it easier to carry out most
household chores himself rather than allow Alice to help. As she has always been an independent
person this reliance on other people was becoming increasingly frustrating for her and affecting
her confidence, this added to the problems of caring for her.
After her family discussed these problems with the staff at the Age UK Sheffield's
day centre she attends, Alice was encouraged to help support workers
and volunteers with some of the day-to-day tasks around the centre.
As a result of this Alice began to feel she was able to contribute again and not just be
looked after. Her confidence began to return as she felt she was helping to support the other
members of the day centre. This has reduced some of the pressures at home and her family feel more
able to cope. |
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Carol
It was Carol's GP who originally put us in touch with her. She was living in very poor
conditions and struggling with her mobility following a series of falls. However she was afraid
that admitting she needed help would result in her being moved into permanent care.
We visited Carol and a number of issues quickly became apparent:
- Carol would benefit from additional equipment and adaptations to her property to
reduce the risk of future falls and help her manage with her limited mobility
- She needed a benefits check and new carpets as the old ones were worn and
hazardous
- Her flat was due to be refurbished but the tradesmen were refusing to enter Carol's
home because of the poor condition it was in.
- Carol was struggling to get her shopping and pension and to pay her bills.
Initially Carol didn't agree with our assessment and said that she was managing quite
well although she did agreed that an Age UK Sheffield
support worker could visit because she liked to have company. Several visits later, once
she had got to know and trust the support worker, she agreed to her support plan.
Carol has needed constant reassurance and encouragement but a few months on we have:
- helped Carol claim attendance allowance;
- supported her to buy new carpets and have them fitted and to buy some new
furniture;
- arranged deep cleaning for her kitchen and bathroom which in turn has meant the
improvements to her home could be made;
- made referrals to the council's equipment and adaptations team as well as for ongoing
support for meals and medication;
- referred Carol to Citywide Alarms and to Age UK Sheffield Choice for
ongoing help with shopping and cleaning
Carol would now be the first to admit she's glad we persevered and persuaded her to
accept our support. |
