She's Set In Motion A Train Of Events That I Was Considering But Reluctant To Begin.

[sandyRoe]

I was wakened about 11 tonight by someone knocking on my bedroom door. It was a police officer and he told me my sister had been at neighbour's doors asking them to phone her a taxi. She appeared so confused a couple brought her in and called the police. Tomorrow they'll make a referral to social services.
It has come at last. I don't think I would ever have done it but now it's out of my hands.
What will this referral entail?

[tonyav]

Sorry sandy I don't know what the referral will entail but I wish you the very best of luck and hope that it turns out for the best for your sister and yourself.

[hindle-a]

Hi,Just read this.I don't know the background.Are you asking what is involved in a care assessment as to what support you sister may need?

[sandyRoe]

She's an old woman, almost 80, and I think she's edging deeper into dementia with each passing day. We've never had any contact with social services. Will a social worker call as the first step?

[Ouzel]

sandyRoe - have a look at this - it might help :

http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=2287

[ummmm]

Sandy, it's in her best interest that SS become involved. Dementia sufferers can be a danger to themselves.

[Maydup]

Yes a social worker is likely to visit to make an assessment of how your sister's care can be improved.

This could be a huge help you Sandy, so stay in the background as far as you can and let them see her at her most vulnerable. It will not feel natural but you will need to look slightly helpless and unable to cope too in order to get her the best care package possible.

Let us know how you get on won't you.

[bednobs]

in all honesty, i thonk you will be disappointed. I'm not sure how things work in NI, but in england, you have to wait for a crisis to occur before very much is done - sadly i don't think SS is going to swoop in and make everything better immediately

[Psybbo]

Yes Sandy, a social worker will arrange a visit to assess your sister, they will have to after a referral from the police.
Thinking about you, a lot of us are in the same boat xx

[ladyalex]

I hope this will be a turning point for you, Sandy, and that you will get some help looking after your sister.
A Social Worker should arrange to visit to do an assessment of your sister's care needs. They will probably do a benefit check as well, so don't be surprised if they ask about finances.
How much care will be available or how soon it will be provided varies from country to country and area to area, but the SW should be able to give you some odea about how much and when.
I'd take everything they offer. If it doesn't work out you can then cancel it more easily than get more.
If you do. ot hear from them within a couple of days, chase it up yourself.
Best of luck, Sandy.