live-in carers... how does it work etc

[joko]

my 82 year old auntie recently broke her hip and can't walk or do much and apparently isn't eating properly.

They hospital want to put her in a care home, as they want the bed back, but she doesn't want to go.

So does anyone know anything about getting a live-in carer?
i know absolutely nothing about this sort of thing, how it works, who you go through, procedures, funding, eligibilty etc etc

so any help would be great

thanks

[bednobs]

having a full time live in cARER is more expensive than being in a nursing/care home, which is probably why they are suggesting a care home. Is it for a period of rehabilitation, or is it for keeps?
does she need any nursing care or is it just someone with her? Social services are the people to approach through the hospital team
there is a lot of difference in going on a rehab program in a care home whilst being safe and with a view to being able to manage at home than just being bunged in one forever. it is unreasonable for her to stay in an acute hospital if she could be cared for elsewhere, after all, the only reason she was able to be cared for there in the first place is because they chucked someone else out first! As regards to funding ... your aunt is perfectly entitled to fund herself for any option she wishes (ie if she wants a full time carer at home, she could fund this herself (althpugh as mentioned above its an expensive option))
definately contact social services (but if shes in hosp it will have to be through them)

[bednobs]

i completely forgot to add there are all sorts of live in carers from something like "country cousins" who offer a companion service to bna who offere full time live in nurses

[Goodsoulette]

Hi joko, a similar thing happened to my nan about 3 or 4 years ago. They wanted her to go into a home to, she was a stubborn old mule about it and with family backing they managed to get her into the cottage hospital til she recooperated and when she got home social services started to help out.

She lives on her own but has carers pop in 2-3 times a day. Once in the morning and once in the evening and at lunchtime to make sure she eats. They are supposed to cook and wash up for her but she has none of that. She is in a council house but its a warden controlled bungalow. If she is capable get in contact with social services and discuss the options.

My nan does have dementia now, but her living at home keeps her pretty grounded. I am sure she would deteriorate rapidly in a nursing home bearing in mind her dementia seems to make her think everyone is stealing from her, when in fact she spends most of the day hiding things that she thinks people would want to steal.

I do think nursing homes have their place but if family and visiting carers can help then this is definitely best. My grandad went into a nursing home when my nan broke her hip as he was 10 years older at 94 and he never came out again. He just totally lost his mind and that was just over a month.

[cruella]

Hi Joko
The first contact should be getting a Care Manager appointed to your Aunt. Ask the Charge Nurse on the ward in the hospital to contact a Care Manager who will be based in the hospital.
They will visit your Aunt and advise of the options available to her.
The paperwok will then go ahead and an assessment done.
As a previous aber said, it may be a good idea to get Social Services in to help you Aunt. Mornings to help her up, wask, toilet and breakfast. They could also pop in at lunchtime for something to eat, then again in the evening for dinner and assistance to get into bed.
She could also consider Meals on Wheels twice a day.
If she is really bad, then they do provide a Nightsitting service but people have to more or less be terminally ill or suffer Dementia to qaulify for this service and it is only short term.
Have a word with the Social Worker in the hospital anyway and your Aunt will be entitled to the upper limit of the full attendance allowance.
I do not know what the law is in England for care, but in Scotland, personal care is free, the elderly only pay for Home Helps for shopping and housework.Talk to Social Services. They will gude you through everything.

[bednobs]

cruella, in england its a different story - no free nursing care. Also you have to have been ill for at least 3 months to get atendance allowance

[joko]

thanks all, i let them know. think its best we put the matter in the hands of the social workers to assess