Parents overseas and sudden illness

[yrellim]

Hi, my father is in his late 80's and I saw him year before last for 2 weeks we went out every other days to the bars in Jamaica that's where he lives. last week he was diagnose with cancer, starts radiotherapy and is already very weak after weeks of tests and waiting for results.

Work have been brilliant with my options saying take as much time off as you need unfortunately it is a private co so will be unpaid or statutory sick pay.

My question is will this affect my mortgage application if my income suddenly drops to zero or ssp for 2 months and any tips on managing creditors whilst you are away.

Also any tips on getting the best out of the Jamaican hospital system -please leave out any nightmare stories just constructive help to keep me positive to help my dad and any help in employing a nurse/carer in Jamaica, where, how, how much ect or hospitals in the Caribbean or employing staff in general overseas as I can't afford to stay off work indefinitely. Thanks

Not sure what you mean when you said getting the best out of the Jamaican hospital system.
In order to do that you will have to pay because you really don't want to have to deal with FREE which is like a poor house situation.
The best option would be to enlist the help of a carer which this will entail having someone you can trust in terms of living in the house and looking after your father.
The carer will need to be able to drive, that way she will take him to his appointments etc.
One word of advice, do not be stingy when looking for someone to look after your father. Put yourself in the carer's position and ask how much would I want to be paid.
Pay too little and you get the service that to pay for.
Outline the duties that will be required : looking after your father (does this include personal care - showering etc), cooking meals _ feeding him, cleaning the house/laundry/grocery shopping etc.
Would he prefer to stay in the hospital or at home?
Cost of doctor's visit - private - which can all add up.
Being so far away, it might make sense to install cameras where you can see what is happening, provided the cameras stay on.