Virus and elderly parents- can anyone help me plan?

[Missanneshirley]

Hi all,

I'm just going round in circles in my head and wondered if anyone could help.

Elderly parents, in their 70s. Mum healthy, cares for dad who has Parkinsons. He has carers in twice a day and on a good day will be up, dressed, maybe a very short walk out, occasionally coffee shop visit etc. Bedbound and confused on a bad day.

They are being sensible and staying in. I have helped them set up milk and veg deliveries, got them a freezer - i think they would be ok if we suddenly had to self isolate and couldn't drop stuff to them. DH and I are key workers so this is quite likely to happen.

If my dad were to become ill, i think he would very quickly become hospitalized.

However my concern is what would happen should my mum become ill. If she were relatively ok with it, but in bed etc she couldn't care for my dad, or eg carry out basic cleaning etc.

At that point what is my best course of action? Should i go in? Instinct says not too but my dad would need help?

Would carer visits be able to be increased ? I'd hate to put someone else at risk but I'm not sure I'd be able to lift my dad safely etc.

I am trying to think through every eventuality but this scenario is what worries me the most - can anyone advise?

Thank you!

[Missanneshirley]

Thanks for that link- it is for England but I'm sure will be very similar.
I just hate the unknown i suppose!

[Missanneshirley]

Thank you so much i will read that tmrw. We are in Scotland so it may be different? They have a social worker assigned so I'm hoping they are at least "in the system " somewhere rather than trying to start that process from scratch now

[MiniMum97]

Sounds like if Mum s ill family and friends may be expected to step in. And if not council :-s

I know that the council usually have a timescale if 8-12 weeks to even do a care assessment. They can fast track but even then there is a 4 week wait in our area. And that's without C19 pushing a broken service past breaking point.

I can't see you can do anything else but go in as needed.

Perhaps the council can provide you with PPE? As per the recommendations in the home care link?

[MiniMum97]

www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-residential-care-supported-living-and-home-care-guidance/covid-19-guidance-on-home-care-provision

[MiniMum97]

This info might be helpful off government website:


What is the advice for visitors including those who are providing care for you?
You should contact your regular social visitors such as friends and family to let them know that you are reducing social contacts and that they should not visit you during this time unless they are providing essential care for you. Essential care includes things like help with washing, dressing, or preparing meals.
If you receive regular health or social care from an organisation, either through your local authority or paid for by yourself, inform your care providers that you are reducing social contacts and agree on a plan for continuing your care.
If you receive essential care from friends or family members, speak to your carers about extra precautions they can take to keep you safe. You may find this guidance on Home care provisionn_ useful.
It is also a good idea to speak to your carers about what happens if one of them becomes unwell. If you need help with care but you’re not sure who to contact, or if you do not have family or friends who can help you, you can contact your local council who should be able to help you.

[Missanneshirley]

Oh sorry i should have said they live locally