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AIBU?

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Original poster

Can anyone help need advice

13 replies

SauvingnonBlanketyBlanc · 23/12/2018 14:31

Hi posting here for traffic.My grandad lives alone,he's 91.He has to put eye drops in twice a day and if he doesn't he could go blind due to the condition he has.He can't put them in himself,finds it v difficult and fiddly so my dm asked the gp if a district nurse or similar could do it,apparently not as it's not in their job description and he's not eligible for at home care as he's not reliant on someone to dress him etc.We live far away from him and my dm is worried sick about him.Does anyone know if there is a type of health care professional that could go to his home to administer the drops? It seems crazy that he can't get the help he needs

OP posts:
Notatallobvious · 23/12/2018 14:37

Have you contacted a private care agency in his area? I’m pretty sure they would be able to do a couple of short visits for medication but no idea what it would cost.

Scoobygang7 · 23/12/2018 14:37

This could help there are devices to help. Stick this search term in google eye drop assistive device.

I know it's not ideal but could help

Original poster
SauvingnonBlanketyBlanc · 23/12/2018 14:44

Sorry I should have said in my op that he's got a device but can't manage to work it

OP posts:
steff13 · 23/12/2018 14:53

I agree with the PP, you can probably hire an aide. Would it be possible to move him a bit closer to you? At his age, his care needs are likely to increase in the coming years. I wouldn't want him to be that far away, if it were me.

PurpleWithRed · 23/12/2018 14:56

No family or friends nearby? A private care agency will probably be able to help, or even a private carer. Is this a short term issue or long term?

dogdogdog · 23/12/2018 14:57

I'm an OT and I've come across this before.

If hes tried the aid and doesn't get on with it then it's obviously necessary to have someone else administer them.

What other people have done us as follows:

Ask friend/neighbour/cleaner on a rota

Pay an agency to visit and get them to do other stuff with the time - breakfast prep/cleaning?

Original poster
SauvingnonBlanketyBlanc · 23/12/2018 14:59

Thanks all i think we'll look at private carers,he won't move from his home as he is v proud and wants to stay

OP posts:
dogdogdog · 23/12/2018 15:00

And I know it seems unfair but there are loads of people who need this kind of incidental assistance. It's not a medical job, but not a carers job. It's something a spouse would do, so I understand your frustration.

Cream on legs and changing compression stockings are other things that people struggle with each day when they live alone.

dogdogdog · 23/12/2018 15:01

There should be a care directory for his area that will list all the registered agencies. Smile

Look online or call his local social services for a copy.

AndWhat · 23/12/2018 15:02

I’m a DN and we only do certain eye drops anyone else in need has to employ a care agency to make the calls and administer the eye drops.

Original poster
SauvingnonBlanketyBlanc · 23/12/2018 15:13

We totally understand that dn can't do it, it is frustrating it seems to be a grey area tbh

OP posts:
Tistheseason17 · 23/12/2018 15:14

Is there a neighbour or friend locally that could help?
If not, you can speak to local care providers and pay for someone to come in daily.
Or as others have said, if he has no one near him then perhaps move him closer to you?

Babyroobs · 23/12/2018 15:17

They need to find a care agency with staff that can do it.

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