Care at home options for broken wrist

[pinkglitter80]

Hi all
First post here. My dads in his seventies and lives alone half an hr away. He's been in ok health and v independent but had a fall on Friday and has broken his wrist which is in a cast. I've been with him and at hospital but not sure how much support he'll need the next six weeks. I have two young kids and work pt and am way with work for a week in a fortnight. I was thinking of popping over every couple of days and when I'm away asking a local friend to do. But would he be ok inbetweeen? Should I consider someone coming in an hr each day or so? Am also worried about his mental health... How would I find someone to pop in?

[sobersandra]

Is he home now or still in Hospital?

If hospital speak with the ward and they can guide you as to home care or intermediate care (nhs).

[pinkglitter80]

At home - we just went to urgent care on Sat am and awaiting an appt with fracture clinic

[hatgirl]

Give his local social services a ring and ask for a reablement assessment.

This is short term support (usually free for around 6 weeks) for this exact kind of situation. If any longer term support needs are identified as a result of their involvement (e.g if you are worried about how he is managing generally) they will discuss these with him/you as appropriate.

[hatgirl]

Social services will need his consent bybthe way before they accept a referral from you, would he be okay with someone popping in daily?

If he has a cast is he still able to have a wash in the way he usually does or will someone need to help him?

[thesandwich]

Good advice from hatgirl. When dm fractured her ankle we were advised by ss to ask to speak to the hospital social worker and ot Who were brilliant.

[thesandwich]

Also looking for someone to pop in- have a look at local care agencies who may be able to help. We have used home instead who do have quite a lot of branches who are v good, but there are lots of others.

[pinkglitter80]

Thanks all - he's been OK with daily washing but will need help with baths.

[pinkglitter80]

What's reasonable support for me to provdie? I'm finding it hard to balance everything already :-(

[hatgirl]

what is reasonable support for me to provide

As much as you are 'willing and able' to provide.

Don't worry, if you give social services a ring they will talk you through it.

They will probably ask if you are able to help with shopping and getting medications sorted and attending any medical appointments as these are all things that don't fall under 'personal care' but if your dad needs help with things like washing, dressing, food preparation, remebring to take medication etc over the next few weeks they may be able to support with daily visits.

Most reablement support is offered with the intention of rebuilding confidence and reducing future hospital admissions so they may also suggest some hand rails, pieces of assistive equipment and minor adaptations whilst they are involved.

[pinkglitter80]

Thankyou. This is a whole new world for me and I'm going to have to manage his expectations as he is unlikely to accept much help!!

[thesandwich]

Voice of experience here- use this as an opportunity to get him used to care other than from you now. You can facilitate, organise, support- but the more you can get help from others the better otherwise you are establishing precedents that it will only be you.... think about what you can do and do not neglect your own needs.

[sobersandra]

As @hatgirl says, contact social care team.

Be ready to explain what he needs, and can't do for himself

Bathing would be off the table until the fracture heals. He might need to strip wash for now.

There aren't any daily free 'pop-in' type services now. It's based on need to manage personal care and meal prep.

Cleaning, shopping etc all fall outside the NHS but social care team can guide you on appropriate agencies.

Good luck.