Care assessment

[Legallybleachblonde]

My Mum finally has her care assessment tomorrow. The social services are coming to see her and Dad at 3pm. I'm sitting in on it too at Dad's request. I'm a little worried about it as Mum is at middle to end stage Alzheimer's and has Capras Syndrome so doesnt really know where she is or who her family are anymore. I just don't what to expect tomorrow and wondered if anyone on here has been at one of these meetings. Also, how long does it take to get a decision on the care package to be offered? Thanks in advance

Sorry for the typos! I hope you get the gist of what I'm asking

It depends where abouts you are, different councils/health trusts have different ways of doing it. However, if you look at the care act 2014 legislation this is what the social worker will be working under (if you are in England) it will detail criteria, duties etc.

The social worker will take social history, ask about personal care, toileting, medication, activities of daily living such as meal prep, shopping, cleaning, social support etc. Just to get a full picture of what struggles your Mum has. Don't downplay anything. If you Dad and you care for your Mum, they should offer you a carers assessment also. Normally the social worker will write up the assessment and depending how much of a care package is needed, will either get this authorised by their manager or if it is substantial - go to present it at a panel.

It can happen really quickly depending on level of need and risk. You shouldn't be waiting weeks but again depending on where you are, it depends what care agencies can meet the need.

Thank you flowerydd. We're in the south (England). Mum really is quite bad now - asking to 'go home' every day; trying to leave in the middle of the night and packing her bag (with random stuff); asking my Dad where her husband is (they've been in each other's pockets since 1967), so, as much as we dont want her to leave, we just can't cope with this anymore. It's so upsetting, I can't believe it's happening. She has been suffering from psychosis for about a month now... she needs specialist care. Feeling so guilty, my poor Mum (and Dad) :-(

That is such a difficult situation that is quite an unsustainable situation, she also sounds quite high risk of wandering. The Social Worker should go through all of the choices with you. I know the guilt must be awful! But a care placement would keep her safe and it would be best to do it as soon as possible before the situation gets any worse.

The social worker will do a mental capacity assessment too then. Sounds more complicated than it is. But she will need to ascertain if your Mum has capacity to make the decision herself. She will ask questions to see if she has any understanding of the current situation etc. If she does not have capacity, then a best interest meeting will be had, so to make the decision for her in line with Human rights legislation etc. Just forewarning you as things like this always sound more complicated than they are and can make a situation more stressful if you aren't aware of the processes.

If her psychosis is what is impacting her behaviour and memory, that might be a short term placement just to see if she improves but it sounds like her other diagnosis might have progressed.

It is such a difficult decision to have to make, but always remember you are ensuring her safety