Testimonies

This is where you can share your story about the care system.

Carer Watch.com / Testimonies / Older Carers / The way in which the elderly are neglected

Name	Your Story
Anonymous	# Posted: 30 Jan 2008 06:54 Reply My wife and I are both elderly and both have ill health.I had heart operations and wife has cancer.We are 78 and 71 respectively.We had a care package in place of 9 hours per week jointly,not each.My wife was admitted to hospital for 5 weeks last year and after assessments carried out whilst she was still a patient,it was agreed with hospital social worker and our own that our package needed increased dramatically.It was put forward that between us we needed a paid carer each,12 hours for myself and 13 for my wife. More assessments took place,phone calls and after going to a panel we were allowed 8 for me and 9 for my wife.We were left to struggle and are still struggling. Why waste time having social workers do visits when their opinions are not accepted. Too much red tape ,not enough real action.
Dugsie	# Posted: 31 Jan 2008 04:11 Reply This seems to be all too common these days as resources are withdrawn from care services, all in the name of care in the community ! I am in a similar situation myself, but with no care package as such. I don't want to go through the assessment nonsense, it fails to produce anything of real value for so many people. ' Too much red tape, not enough real action' you say, quite correctly. Not enough by way of genuine resources for the care of the elderly, I say. Campaign on.
Cathy	# Posted: 31 Jan 2008 06:06 Reply Dear Anonymous, I certainly sympathise with your situation. If the hospital has said you need a certain care package, then your local Social Services should provide it. May I suggest you contact your local Age Concern branch? Their phone number will be in your telephone directory. They should be able to send someone out to discuss your needs and will appoint an advocate to represent you in discussion with the local authority. Your GP should also be your best friend in this, so have a word with him/her and explain that you can't cope with things as they are. Thank you for posting. We shall try and make sure the government is made aware of the problems people face with the current state of 'care in the community'. I hope this helps a little. Best wishes, Cathy

Copyright © Carer Watch.com 2007-2008 and Copyright © miniBB.net 2001-2008 All rights reserved. | Contact

Carer Watch is not responsible for any material whatsoever posted by any third party, and therefore
disclaims any and all liability for any claims resulting from any such postings.