5 hours wait for an ambulance and counting

[FredaFox]

Not sure what else to say, my mum has mobility issues and today literally cannot walk, she also has incontinence which means frequent trips to the toilet
At 830 as much as I tried to get her to the toilet she couldn't move so I rang an ambulance, busy and could be up to 2 hours wait, fine we understood
5 hours later still no sign, my mums dignity is shot, she's wet herself, now unfortunately she's soiled herself
She's in agony trying not to wee as worried her continue pad will overflow
Don't know what to do, I'm helpless, I can't do anything for her, just here to rant really
I know the nhs is strained beyond belief and it's not their fault but this is heartbreaking

Sadly when my MIL experienced this the response the family got was exactly as per PP’s called ‘mean’. Not an emergency. Call the GP. There was no admission to hospital but a care package was put in place. I was completely shocked. I thought not being able to stand/walk would be up there as an emergency. Nope. I’m not saying it’s right just sharing that experience which was 5 years ago so no covid.

she needs a care package surely op?
people to assist with getting her to the toilet, hoists and standers?

Adult social care for a care package, hoists etc

I think what shocked me with my MIL was that there was a fast forward to deal with the practicalities and absolutely no chance they would take her in an ambulance to hospital to run tests/treatment. Maybe this was a barrier to stop a bed being used up. Maybe it was genuinely seen as the best way forward. It seems that the pp’s saying it’s not an emergency are not being unsympathetic they are reflecting the response you might get at some times in some regions. I’m really glad you got the ambulance, it’s what I wanted and expected however I’m just posting to share how things might be handled differently should anyone else end up in this position and god knows I hope they don’t

I feel for you OP - I know I'm replying a few days after your post but I wanted to say I've sort of been there. My mum fell/collapsed whatever in her bathroom three weeks ago and we had to wait for the ambulance. Then she was completely unable to walk and the carer said she thought we should call the GP. GP said to call the ambulance again and say that she wanted her admitted which I did. Three weeks on her mobility is almost non existent and we are waiting for her to be transferred to another hospital for rehab/physio.

I hope your mum is on the mend and that you can get more help to keep her comfortable.