What happens in between carer visits in a moment of crisis ?
A 95 year old was unwell with a urine infection and the morning carer left her in bed.
A little later she needed to use the toilet and was unable to get there in time. This caused her to have an accident and be in a terrible state.
Who could she call for help ?
She called her friend who is in her late 70’s herself and already does a huge amount to care for her friend.
However her friend is no nurse and no carer. She admitted to me that she “Didn’t know where to start ” in cleaning her elderly friend up.
Who can help in this situation ?
The answer is NO ONE !!!
The care agency used to provide her three visits a day don’t have care staff on “stand by”. They can’t afford to pay them to do nothing if not needed. Rapid Response is only available following a hospital admission or accident. Hospital at Home can’t help either.
So, if no-one can help should the Government not be looking into this gap in care provision as they are encouraging more and more elderly people to stay at home.
The saying goes “As happy as a pig in muck” – Is it humane to allow an elderly person to remain in theirs ?
I totally agree with you Chris, I do however think that many will feel the elderly already cost the tax payer enough and will not be keen to pay more. We all need to remember that one day we will all be old and in need of this help and it is the elderly today that have funded much of what we take for granted.
Many thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. What are your thoughts on the new look for Caron Cares ?
Thank you for sharing this important issue Caron. All human beings have a right to dignity, especially people who are old and vulnerable. Unfortunately as ever this comes with a price tag. I think society has to ask if it values it’s senior citizens enough to pay more into the public purse via taxation or come up with an alternative FAST
Many thanks for your comment Robert. I was concerned about this matter and it is one of many issues currently unaddressed leaving the elderly without dignity.
Hi Caron
Thank you for making us aware of this very worrying problem. How awful for elderly people to be left in that state.
Keep going lady, you are doing a great job, raising awareness of these problems.
Robert