Sorry Folks I am going to have a moan........

[DEN53]

I have spent weeks sorting out a care program for my Mum who has dementia - my Dad is her main carer and needs help, which I provide, but its gradually worn me down mentally.

I had a meeting with Social Services a few weeks ago, and the care package funding had been agreed. Last week I had another meeting with Social Services and the care agency to agree what care Mum actually needs. I also wanted the care agency to manage the budget, as this would be less hassle.

We agreed on a carer to come in once a day to wash and dress her and a shower once a week. My Dad already gets respite care on a Wednesday morning for 3 hours, so he can get out and do some shopping and have a break. They agreed to another 3 hours on a Friday for him to have some 'me time' - and the carer would either take Mum out or sit with her.

We had the care agency manager come this Monday and sort times out etc.

I have just had a strange phone call from the agency manager, informing me they can now not offer the personal care for Mum - I then asked about the sitting service (which has already been in place for 3 months) on a Wednesday morning - and was told this has also can not now be offered. The manager said she could'nt go into detail at this time, but was really sorry. I can only deduce from this that they have gone into liquidation, although they are a large company 'Crossroads'.

Just when I thought we had got something sorted, this has to happen. I am now back to square one and have to start the ball rolling once more.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Thanks for listening. xx

[Mamyalynne]

Good grief Den, you are entitled to have a moan, so it's back to square one is it? I have no experience with this but sounds a real tangle, good luck with it.

[craft1948]

Their wesbsite doesn't mention any problems...........

[Ric.ror]

Oh you have my symapthies - our local health service have been fantastic with my Mum - just wondering will it continue after the cuts

[DEN53]

I know Craft - I have had a look this morning.

I don't know whether to laugh or cry...............

[redman41]

Hello DEN53 !
Really sorry to hear of all your problems as you really could do with some respite to help you out. It is a large burden to bear DEN and in many ways it is not fair on you as you have your immediate Family to consider !
I know a few XXXXXXXX wont help you a great deaL but I wish you well

[funnygirl]

Hi Den,

Why not contact the Social Services again. Maybe they've got some explanation.

[DEN53]

Thanks Red - just when I thought we were getting somewhere.

[mazie]

Hi Den, As you know My Mum has dementia and before she went into the care home I used crossroads as well as the council run Jacke Dawe team ( a special care service for dementia sufferes)...Why don't you drop me an e-mail. I;m not happy to put my addy on here but McFluff has it and so does ttfn and I think Pericat has it also. I have had about 2 years experiance with social workers and carers so if I can be of any help I will xxx

I had the same problems in the early days of Mums dementia, so bl00dy frustrating!

[DEN53]

Funnygirl - I have phoned the Social Worker I deal with but he is out of the office at the moment. Hopefully he will get back to me later today.

[mccfluffy]

awww sorry to hear this Den, such a set back - do you want me to email you mazies email addy?

[naomi24]

That's terrible! If she couldn't go into detail at that time, I'd make an appointment to see her. I'd want to know why because unless you know why, you don't know where you stand or what you're arguing against. I wish you the very best of luck.

[DEN53]

Thanks Mazie - Pericat is in the US at the moment, but I do have Fluffy on Facebook, I will contact her.

[mccfluffy]

i'v sent it den x

[DEN53]

Thanks fluffy, that will be great.

[mazie]

I had exactly the same with Crossroads last August DEN, they said they had a staff shortage due to the holiday season. All crossroads did for my Mum was sit with her for 3 hours two afternoons a week. Social Service did the care package i.e. getting her up in the morning and giving her her medication. They also came in at lunchtime to make sure she ate her lunch and again at teatime to give her her medication. Crossroads are just a back up service I believe. I look forward to hearing from you Den and I hope I can help. I've had all the frustrations and Ahhhhhhhh moments that you're having just now and it's draining!

[mazie]

thank you fluff x

[LoftyLottie]

Crossroads is a Charity and I used to work for them. I don't think charities can go into liquidation(?) I really don't understand why this has happened. Crossroads basically is there primarily for the carers. Just a bit confused. Is it crossroads that do her daily care or just the sitting service. They didn't used to do daily care - perhaps it has changed since I worked for them.

[naomi24]

You're right Lottie. They were 'carers for carers' - and in actual fact, I think they still are.

[LoftyLottie]

Maizie's post wasn't there before I began mine. Yes, Crossroads is a back-up service not a care agency (as far as I was aware).

[LoftyLottie]

Not only did I work for them, but I used them when I cared for my mother. A crossroads carer sat with her for three hours a week whilst I went out. Her personal care was done by a Care Agency through Social Services.