Social worker said it’s not safe to discharge dad from hospital

[K37529]

Dad is currently in hospital after a bad infection in his leg, treatment has went well and he is now medically fit for discharge. Dad has Alzheimer’s and up until 3 weeks ago when this infection began his symptoms were mild, and he managed well at home (he lives alone). He is currently on morphine for pain which I believe is making his Alzheimer symptoms worse, he was on morphine years ago and this happened then too so I’m sure it’s the morphine. He has basically been sectioned as he tried to leave the hospital last week so they did a mental health assessment which he failed. The social worker has suggested a care home but I’m sure that once he is off the morphine his mind will return. He lives in a council house so it won’t be possible for him to return home if he is put in a care home. I’m not sure how to navigate this, I’m his next of kin so the social worker has said it is my decision. It isn’t safe for him to go home right now. Is there any other options? Can I request respite care to a care home with the intention of moving back home? I have asked for him to go to rehab to get him back on his feet but the social worker has said that the OT will decide and I don’t think they have made their decision yet.

On the hospital decline thing, as well as the reasons listed above, sometimes people get infections, illnesses or experience other mishaps in hospital that extend their stay and compounds the other issues.

MY DF got covid in hospital at the height of the pandemic which made it more difficult to access rehab for the fall he went in for. He also once got given food he was allergic to.

I'd take on board what the social worker has said. If you end up in a situation where your DF is getting bounced between home and hospital, which sounds likely if he returns home, then that's far less stable and a lot more risky than being in a care home.

Im trying to block a discharge from hospital mum is dementia dad is hip
Both will lie to social, lie to physio, lie to docts
everything good we can manage when it's dangerous at home
when its a complete travesty
mum will say no to everything no to help no to carers no no no
am at wits end
i just want them both safe and happy but it can't be at home its too unsafe

I know a man in a similar position who gave in to the need for a care home after months of refusing. He’s so much happier and healthier. He was sad about his home and possessions being sold and asked not to be told much about it, but otherwise hes grateful and pleased to be there.

Hi ednaclouda, it would be best if you started a new thread about your own situation. I got all the way through this one till I got to your post and noticed how old the original thread was.

Hopefully with a new thread, you'll get more attention and advice.