Respite or Day care for 65 yr old dad?

[Blue2014]

My dad has COPD and is coming towards end of life. My mum is much younger than him and is working extremely long hours to pay the bills.

Dad is alone a lot, although we visit as much as we can. he could do with a day centre where he could meet like minded people (he has no friends but is very socable) does anyone have any advice as these services don't seem to exist now?

Anyone?

There are certainly day centres in my area and my parents (alas, my mum isn't sociable and hated it).

Have your parents had a social services assessment? Thats the gateway to accessing services, though a local carers centre would be able to advise on whats around too.

Thank you so much - I appreciate the response

I volunteer in one. They do exist and level of care varies between organisations. I would agree with contacting Social Services as they will be able to assess your dad and point you in the direction of places and organisations that will help.

I hope you find somewhere your dad can enjoy, ours offers loads of services as well as the socialising side of things so there could be other things that ease the pressure on your mum too.

Thanks for that Red, I hope we have something like your service locally

Usually your local hospice will provide both day centre and overnight respite care. Good luck x

I too would recommend talking to your local hospice.

There are also befriender schemes out there - might be worth asking your local Age UK, or Methodist Homes do this scheme too (as I'm sure many others do).

Another thought is contacting your local Churches. Within 2 miles of here I can think of one Church that does a day centre, two that have a lunch time cafe every day, one that has a lunch club once a week and then an afternoon fellowship with occasional speakers or concerts.
The lunchtime cafes are there for the fellowship as much as the meals.

That's really helpful, I'm really touched you all took the time to respond. Thank you