I'm trying to find out what happens with older people whose homes are unsuitable for their needs after falling.
My dad is in hospital after falling down the stairs. He lost consciousness having had a heart attack. He hit his head hard when he fell. They think he had another heart attack whilst in A&E.
He is in his late 70's and is on a ward. He has a great deal of dizziness (has done for years) & nearly toppled again on the ward.
They are discussing stents & are sending him to a regional cardiac centre.
He has had a series of issues with his heart over many years, including previous heart attacks & aortic aneurysm. He has angina.
He has previously been told he is not fit enough for a heart bypass although needs one.
His lifestyle is terrible - still smokes & very immobile.
He lives alone in a tiny, Victorian terraced house with steep stairs. No downstairs loo or bathroom.
I've been nagging him for years to move to something more suitable but he is very obstinate!
My question is, will they discharge him home given his health?
He can't live with me or my sister as our homes are not suitable for lots of different reasons - I live four hours away.
What will happen now?
Will they discharge him home after treatment & expect him to wash / use commode downstairs indefinitely?
Will he be assessed regarding needing care?
If he can't go home will he stay in hospital or will they send him to a care home?
He is a bit confused but reasonably lucid.
I am hoping he will sell his house & get a supported housing type flat, but I'm trying to navigate this with no experience of these situations?!
I have spoken to him for years about moving & getting a plan in place for care BEFORE he needs it. But my worst fear is now being realised & I don't know what will happen now?!
Any advice or knowledge is gratefully received!