Care problems Mil

[Araminta49]

Hi all ,
Elderly Mil has lung cancer , lives alone . Deteriorating rapidly, had to bring her to stay at ours due at risk of falls , taking wrong tablets , not drinking much , confusion etc . Was treated for a urine infection in the last week but still muddled and can't safely walk alone .
The Macmillan nurses say her needs at present are for social care not medical care , and she is not yet poorly enough for a hospice ! -which is where she wants to die . She has been referred to Social services to be assessed for care , I rang them they said 6/8 weeks until she can be assessed! We are unable to care for her anymore , really struggling - she needs 24 hour care . Any help gratefully received .

Ring social services again and tell them that care is breaking down and you need a more urgent social care assessment for mil and a carers assessment for yourselves. It will be 6-8 weeks for standard assessments, urgent needs/ care breakdown can usually be seen sooner.

Don't be surprised though if you get caught up in a battle between health and social care about who should be meeting her needs as it sounds like she may be borderline if Macmillan are already involved. Everyone is overstretched and horrifically under staffed and underfunded and will pass the buck wherever possible.

Sounds like palliative care team should be involved by now, hope you've managed to get some more support & advice, in similar situation so understand how stressful it is.

An update .... Mil eventually admitted to hospital with urine infection , after several falls and more confusion . Fast track procedure to refer her to a suitable nursing home in process with NHS continued care funding , to free up acute medical bed . Seen by palliative care team , say as not in pain , and not confused as a result of the cancer -she's not suitable for a hospice place , at the moment anyway .so much buck passing ! So looked at nursing home , which looks ok , she is so confused she doesn't know where she is , she still knows family , thankfully . So process to move her starting .
It is stressful isn't it Turtle ?