Hello, my mum is 81 years old and was widowed 12 years ago. In that time she has lived alone with declining health (Stage 4 kidney disease, advanced rheumatoid disease, heart disease and high blood pressure). She has osteo arthritis and osteoporosis too and really needs her hips replaced.
In July she fell at home and acquired 2 raymi fractures (stable fractures of her pelvis) which seriously impacted her mobility further (it was already limited to 15metres - this fall reduced it to 2 or 3 metres) then this weekend she had a heart attack on the Friday and broke her toe during her collapse. She was discharged last night with a sick bowl. The doctor said her heart is causing the vomiting.
In July the OT at the hospital said they would arrange a care package for mum (4 x daily visits as her mobility was poor following the fall and 2 fractures). It never materialised and I wasn't sure if mum had refused/turned it down. She says she hasn't but has taken to telling lies and forgetting things.
I suspect dementia is also in the mix. She is very forgetful, forgetting her name once, forgetting she had a stent put in a few years ago, getting angry, for example, that she wasn't invited to my wedding (she was and attended and we get on well so that would never have happened).
My friend's mum also had a heart attack at the same time and was in the same hospital. My friend's mum has been discharged with 4 x daily carer visits whilst we haven't.
I'm not sure how to proceed. I called social services - the local number is now out of service and callers are directed to an online form. When assessing the details I put in (on her behalf) - the suggestions for dressing, feeding, toileting are to "ask a family member or friend to help"
I live 40 minutes from her. I'm a single parent and have a teen with pretty complex ASN. (or I find them complex) Her DS lives 2000 miles away. She has no other family.
I also suggested getting her one of those emergency cords you wear and press the button for assistance if she falls again - she's not keen. I looked up the details today and I see that a keyholder is required - someone on call and available within 45 mins day or night. I cannot imagine who that would be. I could say it was me....but if I'm at work I would not be reachable.
If anyone has experienced something similar and was able to get support for their parent I'd be grateful if you would add it here.