Social worker!

[kezia_88]

My grandad has just come out of hospital for several reasons, now he is home my nan cannot cope and constantly is ringing up my mum. My mum therefore cannot cope either and is finding it a stuggle coping with my nan and grandad and the fact she has to have her own operation in 2 weeks. I am 17 and can't help in anyway really because of 6th form etc. Is there anyway of getting in a social worker my mum doesnt seem keen on the benefits of it but how can i convince her? because she is just getting really stressed and upset all the time. Also how would I go about getting one?

Thanks

[Lollyhoney]

Ring your local ss and request an assesment. He is entitled to this and they will be able to advise you on what supportr and services there are to help him!

[brawburd]

Your Mum has a lot on her plate! She needs to look after her own health to continue to be a support to your grandparents.

It's difficult of course to advise on the best course of action. I don't know the circumstances, the risks, or whether there are other support systems you could all draw upon. Therefore don't know if social work input is required.

My experience is in Scotland but the basics are the same elsewhere in the UK. Your local council's website should give you contact information.

There are various ways to seek social work involvement. A Community Care Assessment can be requested either directly through the duty worker at the social work office or through the GP. Your grandparents need to agree to this. Also, if your Grandad is still attending hospital, there will be a social work service to which the outpatient or ward staff can make a referral. Your Nan and Mum could request a Carers Assessment for themselves.

Either form of assessment might open up access to some support services. There is likely to be a waiting list for these.

Are there more immediate needs? Is your grandparents' safety an issue when your Mum goes into hospital or is recuperating? This should be highlighted to the GP or social work office.

It can be difficult for people to realise they need help. Many feel guilty or see it as a failure. Others see social work as a major invasion. It's also difficult for carers to get the time or energy to deal with anything other than the immediate tasks at hand.

It may be that your family needs a little support just now to make sure things don't go into crisis. Having social work involvement doesn't mean it will be there for life.

[brawburd]

There are also financial considerations. Your grandparents may be entitled to Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance.

Your council is likely to have a money advice service. If not, Citizen's Advice will advise.

[brawburd]

Good information here:
http://www.carers.org/

Hope it all gets easier soon. Good luck.

[kazza12345]

if you make a referral, it will be worth speaking to your granddad himself. They will not accept the referral unless he has given his permission

[katietab]

i feel for you chick. My mum looks after my nan, she does the cleaning for her one day a week. As well as this she also cleans for the elderley lady next door, works four out of five days a week as a Accounts Admin and also is studying to be a qualified accountant one day a week. My mum has it pretty hard to be honest but i think you'll find that the longer she trys to do everything for everyone the harder it will get. My mum cut her loses a few weeks ago and basically said enough was enough. She stopped cleaning for the elderley lady next door and has arranged with other family members to help out my nan. If you can just do bits and bobs around the house which means she wont have to do it when she comes it. I was at sixth form, even doing the dishes or hoovering on your half day will make that mamoth task seem a lot lighter! Hope this helps!!!