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Elderly parents
Original poster

Social worker said it’s not safe to discharge dad from hospital

29 replies

K37529 · 24/02/2025 18:50

Dad is currently in hospital after a bad infection in his leg, treatment has went well and he is now medically fit for discharge. Dad has Alzheimer’s and up until 3 weeks ago when this infection began his symptoms were mild, and he managed well at home (he lives alone). He is currently on morphine for pain which I believe is making his Alzheimer symptoms worse, he was on morphine years ago and this happened then too so I’m sure it’s the morphine. He has basically been sectioned as he tried to leave the hospital last week so they did a mental health assessment which he failed. The social worker has suggested a care home but I’m sure that once he is off the morphine his mind will return. He lives in a council house so it won’t be possible for him to return home if he is put in a care home. I’m not sure how to navigate this, I’m his next of kin so the social worker has said it is my decision. It isn’t safe for him to go home right now. Is there any other options? Can I request respite care to a care home with the intention of moving back home? I have asked for him to go to rehab to get him back on his feet but the social worker has said that the OT will decide and I don’t think they have made their decision yet.

OP posts:
Ilovethewild · 24/02/2025 19:22

Generally someone is discharged to a care home for a 6 week trial (often takes longer), HB would still pay rent in council house (as long as stay isn’t made permanent).
but that will give you time to decide and to see how he does.

it’s possible that care home is best place, I have known people to stay temporarily then return home, although most stay and don’t return home.

Iloveeverycat · 24/02/2025 19:16

When my mum had a fall and ended up in hospital. I was told by SS she was not safe to go home. She was discharged straight to a care home. We knew in our hearts that it was the right thing to do as she wouldn't have been safe at home at all. I have no regrets she loves it there has made lots of friends and does lots of activities and is well looked after 24 hours a day. She says it's like being on holiday. As she owns her own home it now has to be sold to pay for her care which is hard going through her things when she is still with us. You could look into respite care if you really think it would help him to go back home.

Original poster
K37529 · 24/02/2025 19:00

Thanks for your reply, he already has carers 4 times per day. He has declined so much over the past 3 weeks, I just keep hoping that he will get better but every time I go to see him he just seems more confused and lost. It’s heartbreaking 😢

OP posts:
BananaSpanner · 24/02/2025 18:56

I lost my mum to Alzheimer’s. During her illness, she had a few hospital stays for various things. She always declined in hospital and never improved afterwards. I can only speak for her but I wouldn’t bank on significant improvements.

Yes, you can look at respite care. That would be sensible but again, I’m not sure he would be able to go back to living independently after a significant period of being cared for. However it’s worth exploring and respite followed by carers visiting the home may keep him at home longer term.

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