h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

The single bed base, headboard and air mattress were delivered and set up yesterday. Unfortunately the space I cleared did not have a power point on the same wall so it all had to be rearranged last night by my brother-in-law and nephew, who had turned up to replace the brass runners nailing down the carpet edges. Duh. The computer desk (equipment not used since Dad died) has all been moved away from the wall with plug access and the bed put there. So I have no idea what I'm going to find when I go there today, but at least today I have the assistance of my strapping 6'1" boyfriend.

Don't use up all his strength, you may need some later

Mum's very confused, she thought I was going to take her to her new house today. She wet herself twice while I was there this morning, and she didn't want me to leave at lunchtime.

I have no idea how I am going to cope tomorrow and over the weekend, and I am getting the distinct impression that I won't be able to leave her alone next Monday.

You just make certain you have all the phone numbers of those who are supposed to be calling in daily, and make sure they do!

Is she to be rehoused?





lil x

No, she's going back to her own house. I have no idea why she thought she was going to a new house. We've arranged a single bed downstairs, with an air mattress to prevent more bedsores.

I have a book with all the phone numbers in, lil

GB, please can you explain your concerns to the nurses, and ask to speak to the occupational therapist or social worker again. If you have to be there its not a safe discharge.

I agree with Z having had a little experience of this kind of thing.

Do take care, and if you are not happy do not be afraid to rattle cages. Keep tabs on Carers too, as they are so overstretched in some areas that they can't keep up with times.

Take care of yourself - somehow, and if you can't get someone else to take care of you.

You will be no use to man or mouse, or Mum of you crack up. It's tough but you will get through it.



Websailor

What Webby and Z said, hunny

Constant My thoughts are with you too GB

Thanks all. The concern I have is about Mum's nature, whether she will even recognise her own home, whether she can cope with the changes. I'll know more after the weekend.

I've packed a bag of my own things and am now off to do a Tesco run with her Soft Diet (E) list of suitable foods.

All the best to you and your mum. Here's hoping Easter will be a good time for you

Happy Easter

Websailor

ing with good intentions

good vibes still flowing

Mum's happy to be home but she's already bored. I've tried to engage her and brought her some (light) reading material but she's not interested, preferring to sleep all the time. Then when she stirs, it's "am I just supposed to sit here until bedtime?"

I have no idea what to do with her. At least in the care home she'd have company. She's coping remarkably well with the succession of different carers traipsing through her house, not one of whom had the code to the keysafe (on their first visit, I've only seen the same one twice) or even knew there was one Last night's carer even rang the front doorbell. I dread to think what would have happened if I'd not been there. I really won't feel safe leaving her tomorrow, in their capable hands, with the access being such an issue.

This morning at either 4.45 or 5.45 (I had 2 houses'-worth of clocks to change and hadn't done my own yet) I'd just arrived home to see to Goldie's needs when I noticed 2 lads walking past my front garden and saw one of them drop something over my garden wall. Seeing red, I took a step towards the window and knocked hard. They both looked shocked as I pointed towards the bag they'd dumped. THEN, a police car pulled alongside them as they were passing my neighbours' house...I went outside and shouted at the lads for dumping their "rubbish" but as I picked up the bag I saw what was inside. One of the policemen was out their car talking to the lads who both turned and looked in my direction (I was still shouting at them). Then I dumped the bag at their feet and ranted some more, something about I hope their mothers are ashamed of them...or something worse. God knows what the neighbours thought of all the commotion but I hate burglars!!!!!!!!!!

Oh no, all this and burglars too?

I hope things get sorted soon so all carers know what's what

Lord, what a weekend. I hope things get better soon.

My own mom is coming home today, this time with oxygen support at home.

I hope it helps enough.

Just not enough convalescent care and board & care bed space to go around.

The 'baby boomers' crisis seizing in on this front with the generation of their parents.

I hate to tell you GB but there are the same problems here. I know two people with Carers here and it doesn't inspire confidence.

Maybe it will improve. I expect some are taking their last minute holidays so they may e short staffed.

Anyway, Good Luck

Websailor

I'm home but I feel like I've left a toddler to fend for herself. I have absolutely no confidence in the Farringford care system AT ALL. Every one of the carers came to the front door and rang the doorbell, specifically what I'd asked them NOT to do. Keysafe is installed and they (Farringford) were informed of the keycode when we had the family meeting on 20th March. We've had 14 carers during the last 4 days and 10 of them were different ladies. I was there when the afternoon carer rang the on-call number and requested the next carer (night) and breakfast carer (this morning, both different according to the list) be informed of the keysafe and code. Last night's carer rang the doorbell. I went nuts. I rang the on-call number myself and complained to the answermachine. The carer, who I apologised to as it wasn't her fault, then rang her manager and she said sorry, she'd been told to tell her but she'd forgot.

The incompetence of it all makes my blood boil. I'm in no fit state to relax and torn between going back just to ensure there's people going in the house to care for Mum.