Dementia home care to be focus at forum

'˜What are the realities of looking after a partner or parent at home who is suffering from dementia and what help is really available?'

That is an important issue that will be discussed at the Horsham District Older Peoples Forum on Tuesday September 6 from 10.30am at Slinfold Village Hall.

Martin Bruton, chairman of the Older Peoples Forum for Horsham District is asking for the personal experiences of those caring at home for someone with dementia.

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He said: “I have recently heard of ‘Care Plans’ that seem to fit the system and not the patient. One instance was a wife who was told she couldn’t go home from hospital because it was a Friday and the physio she needed at home as part of the plan wasn’t available on a Saturday.

“She had to stay in hospital, blocking a bed until the Monday, which neither she or her carer husband wanted. She went home on the Monday and the physiotherapist then didn’t turn up on the Tuesday.

“Another issue appears to be the times that help is available, how long, what for and the cost. For example, carers coming at midday to get someone out of bed who has got up early all their lives and to give them breakfast!

“If you have to turn to the private sector for assistance, perhaps just to pop out to do the shopping and you need someone to keep an eye on your partner or parent it doesn’t seem right or perhaps unaffordable to be charged £21 an hour for a carer from a private company (who is only paid £8.50 an hour).

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“Is the system working well and fit for purpose? Who or where should you turn to for help and advice?

“I’d like to hear the ongoing experiences from those affected and also from those groups or organisations who can help with this important and stressful issue.”

The public meeting will also introduce the new CEO of Age UK Horsham, Sonia Mangan.

If you are willing to share your experiences or can’t make the meeting or have relevant information then email: horshamolderpeoples
[email protected] or [email protected] or for further information see the HDOPF website www.horshamolderpeoples
forum.btck.co.uk

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Martin added: “I suspect that this will be an ongoing issue for the Older Peoples Forum and we will be continuing the discussion at our next meeting on Thursday December 8 from 10.30am at Lower Beeding Village Hall.

“The forum exists for local older people (60+) or their carers to raise issues, be consulted and to share experiences and information.”

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