Mil in hospital - complaint about abuse by carers - what to do???

[CocktailQueen]

I posted another thread about MIL being taken into hospital. Today dh was told by the doctor that MIL has complained about being abused by her carers (!!) and the hospital is getting social services involved. They won't tell dh the nature of the complaint.

Dh saw MIl yesterday and she didn't mention anything about it. MIL has dementia, ffs, and may not be entirely reliable.

She has never said anything negative about the carers, ever (apart from saying that she didn't want them n the house when dh first arranged them. What can we do???? We don't want them to be unjustly accused; but obviously if there is something in it, we'd like it investigated. FFS! Does anyone have experience of this? We'd also like to know that the complaint is all about too - where do we stand legally on this? DH has POA for his mum.

Unfortunatly, I think its very common for people with dementia to make complaints without foundation, and everyone will be aware of this - but obviously have to investigate fully.

Thanks, CMOT. Apparently - I spoke to to a nurse this eve - she said that MIL said a 'male carer had manhandled her'. She has never ever had a male carer. Then she wouldn't say anything else about the carers, and they took this to mean something sinister! Rather than she has dementia and may be telling a lie/not accurate? So they are investigating. Gah.

The hospital have a duty to fully investigate even if it appears obvious to them and everyone else that it may be your mil's illness that is causing her to say these things. That's how they safeguard her interests and protect her. You can ask to be updated about the investigation as appropriate and I expect that speaking to you both will be one of the priorities for the team investigating. Be very clear with them about what you know, what you want for mil and what's happened in that past. These will be experienced clinicians. They WILL see what's going on here.

Thanks, Northern. I have asked them to keep us informed. The nurse did explain all that, and I do understand it ... of course they don't want to let any actual malpractice go unchecked.