87 year old dad possible dementia lives alone

[jellybean1004]

Hello,

My dad is 87 has just been in hospital with pneumonia and flu. Memory dodgy for years really but independent lived alone forever (I didn’t live with him
growing up). His long term partner (seperate houses) died last year and his best friend soon after.

Im an only child and have 2 demanding kids husband job etc. Visited him every day in hospital he’s home now and calling a lot. Multiple times a day. I don’t know what to do. Services don’t seem joined up can’t get hold of his gp - I’ve emailed he hasn’t had formal dementia checks etc.

unsure what to do or where to turn for help. He owns his place but has re mortgaged and spends money like water (always has). Anyone with any experience to share? We have power of attorney health and finance.

Ty 🙏

Is he claiming attendance allowance? That will help a bit financially
He needs an assessment- GP is the starting point. You need to chase if he cant
Is your LPA for health registered with the GP?
And for the one for finance with all o this banks?

Phone your local adult social services helpdesk, they are very good at getting assessments on the go. Explain that he lives alone, and is possibly at risk. And email his GP surgery to explain that you're very concerned that he's a vulnerable adult and needs more support. I found with my Dad that when SS got involved, things moved quicker but you do need to push push push.

Agree with all.the posts above.

Got to ask, who is giving a mortgage to an 87 year old?? Is it equity release?

I personally would try quite hard not to get involved with the finances, but if he asks and you end up taking it on, consider a preloaded cash card for general spending.

With my DM I had held the LPAs for a few years but they were not activated/registered

We decided to activate it and so I went to register it with the GP. I changed all of the contact phone/email to me (not post- she still gets the post)

I asked for an assessment. The GP contacted her and said it was a general check up on medication etc and it rapidly snowballed from there into a mixed dementia diagnosis in about 3 months.