Dad and smoking

[Sunnyday1203]

My dad is currently in hospital and Social worker is trying to find him a Care home that will allow him to smoke in the garden. Does anyone have any experience of this, do some care homes allow this.? it is proving difficult. I know smoking is bad but he enjoys it and not much point in him trying to give up now.

Where in the country are you. Is he self funding or council. I have never known anywhere refuse smoking outside, it is the clients home.

The RQIA issue guidance on smoking in carehomes

They are looking for a place in the South Westl and will be council funded. He will be going into nursing home for assessment. It very confusing as the SW had told this home he was a smoker, they invited us to look around and choose a room. And then to be told they have a no smoking policy on the premises.

Not being nosy but where in the s.w. I will see if I can find anywhere. Does he want to smoke in his room, that is usually not allowed and outside is different and time gives the staff a chance to nip off for a crafty fat if he is to be accompanied

Bristol area. He is happy to smoke in the garden not in room. Would be quite able and happy to sit on his own. I think smoking in his room could be a fire risk. I do get sick of the snotty looks we get from the nursing staff when we take him out for a ciggy, when in hospital.

They should alll allow him to smoke in the garden and they should provide someone to be with him It is unceeptable not to . Did the nursing home say there were unwilling to provide a small area where he could smoke outside? and what do their own staff do? I would phone them and question it

I have just been told by the social worker that most homes have a no smoking policy full stop. I am so frustrated, dad needs to be discharged and they are suggesting he should go home with carers but that is exactly what was in place and has proved a massive failure.

that isn't true they don't, most homes have a smoking area outside which residents can access so the SW once again knows zilch! Not surprised you are frustrated. Come and join my facebook group if you want some extra support www.facebook.com/groups/dementiaconnection/

Thanks Chrissie SW is a bit crap tbh. She keeps seeing dad and asking him what he thinks. He is not able to make rational decisions about his health, safety and money issues. Only this morning did she say he should be able to go home, just makes her life easier. I am not having any of it.

I think perhaps it might be an idea to phone the team manager and ask whether she thinks it is acceptable to keep asking someone who doesn't have capacity to make decisions

Finally think we might have found somewhere, Care home manager is going visit dad to assess him, not sure what that means but fingers crossed.

If all else fails, you could try him on something like the 10 Motives cig-a-like e-cigs. My Dad switched to them last September, at age 90, after smoking from the age of 7 or 8. He was in hospital at the time, but even when he came home he stuck with them as he was afraid of setting himself on fire! I suggest the 10 Motives because they look like cigarettes, and they don't need the 'smoker' to press a button or fill up a tank with liquid, or anything that could confuse them (Dad has mid-stage mixed dementia). Worth a try?

Furry That sounds like it is worth a try. Did they allow your dad to actually use an E cig on the ward?