sheltered accommodation/care homes etc

[MereDintofPandiculation]

My father has probably reached the end of the road with respect to independent living. Can someone help me think about what we should be looking for?

He's talking about "sheltered accommodation". My understanding is that is basically independent living but someone on call, but the idea is that's occasional calls, not for visits every day or several times a day.

then there's "very sheltered accommodation" - what's that?

Even with the reablement team coming in 3 times a day, plus meals on wheels, plus district nurses, he's still managed to fall, and quite possibly was on the floor overnight. So that's beyond sheltered accommodation and into care home territory, isn't it?

How many hours of carers does he have daily? How adapted is his house? Every case is different.

Hi Op
Sorry to hear that your Dad is struggling a bit... I'll try to summarise

1. Sheltered Accommodation - usually over 50/60 (depending on location/market - I know it seems v young) they will either have an onsite warden or a warden call service (warden rings in each day). Each flat will usually have assertive technology like pull cords. Aim is supporting independence so there will be communal areas but each flat will have own kitchen etc.

1. Extra Care - this is a step up between sheltered and residential so will try to balance for those residents who need support but not full on nursing care. Often have communal restaurant etc (this may have been what people referenced by "very sheltered)

1. Residential care - more nursing end.

Given what you've outlined I would imagine sheltered/extra care would be a good starting point for you and your Dad to consider. You may want to think about how he'll manage over the next couple of years - i.e. would it be disruptive and unhelpful for him to move more than once - if so a good fit at extra care may be over the top now but better in long run rather than sheltered now and then another move.

Also have a think about what other assistive technology could help - there are fall monitors, bed monitors and all sorts. Happy to provide more info if you need on this too.

best wishes

My mother has an alert button that she wears as a pendant. If she falls, she can talk to the service and they will ring me, an ambulance if needed, and stay in communication as long as necessary.
Just a possible temporary idea whilst you decide further.

Even with the reablement team coming in 3 times a day, plus meals on wheels, plus district nurses, he's still managed to fall, and quite possibly was on the floor overnight. Can they cope with this in sheltered accommodation? Especially if he hasn't/can't call for help?

One thing I can't/am not willing to provide is daily assistance. I can do 2-3 times a week and retain my sanity. But since he came out of hospital, it's been daily, and I can't cope with this long term. I'm either helping him up, washing him, tidying his stuff, or I'm shopping for him, handling his bills and corresondence, researching things to help us, talking to carers. I can't do this long term.

The point of Reablement is to get him.back to how he was prior to hospitalisation. It's time limited. Did he have a care package before? If not, maybe now is the time to consider one.

A pendant alarm will allow him to call for help if he falls. In the area where I live, the service sends out two care workers if someone falls but is uninjured. The alarm can also be linked to a falls detector which will trigger an automatic alert if your dad falls.

Has your dad applied for Attendance Allowance? He could use this to pay for a cleaner a couple of times a week, who could also do the shopping. You could also see of theres a Meals on Wheels service in the area. If not, maybe consider a frozen meals service such as Wiltshire Farm Foods.

Extra Care can be a good option but your dad would have to have a social care assessment and meet the criteria. If you phone your local Adult Social Care team you can request an assessment and a social worker will give you information a our the available options.

But at the end of the day, what does your dad want? I'd have a conversation with him and ensure hes on board with all of this

I think he either needs carers 4 times a day eg 8-9, 11-12, 3-4 and 7-8
To ensure he is up and dressed, has a meal and is put to bed. A pendant will reassure him but won't stop him falling. If this sort of care package doesn't work then you really are looking at a resisdential care home. There are some v good places but depends on income. I have a relative in one which costs £40k a year