Support for an isolated parent

[sillyswimmer]

My Mom has been living on her own for the last 6 years, since my Dad died. She's never been a very social person and I know my parents used to argue about this. Over the last few months she's withdrawn herself almost completely from the outside world. I live in another part of the country but try to see her every couple of weeks. I also speak to her every day. She doesn't have any other family which can support her (I'm an only child).

I've suspected for a while she may have the beginnings of dementia. Yesterday, after what should have been a 3 mile drive, she was found lost and confused miles away from home. We had to get the Police involved to bring her home, while I made my way up to her home. I have booked an appointment with her GP today, which I will be attending with her. I've also told her I'm removing her car keys until we know for certain what's wrong.

Can anyone advise what support might be available to allow her to continue to live in her own home safely in the short term? Long term I hope she can move closer to me, although she's very resistant to the idea.

1. Get a POA organised. The sooner the better, especially if there is a danger that she will shortly be diagnosed with dementia. You can do it online, and dont need to use a solicitor.
2. Try to get her to consider (very) sheltered housing. Making a move now will probably keep her out of a home longer.

Sorry to hear this. Her surgery may well have local contacts for age uk etc and a social worker- there are often groups etc which may help. The local authority will have lots of details re support services on thei4 website. Good luck.

Thank you for your replies.

We saw her GP this morning who's arranged for tests ASAP. He also suggested I contact social services to arrange an assessment for care support. I registered my concerns with them and they've booked an assessment for next week. They've also given me numbers for services which they don't provide.

Something has clicked with her today and she's realised she needs some help and support, from someone other than me. I'm planning on the LPA as soon as possible and trying to talk her into considering alternative accommodation. The latter is going to be an up hill battle (I've discovered who I get my stubbornness from)