Sorry I don't have any formal help I can offer as my Dad's just coming up to the end of his assessment period in an EMI nursing home after two months in hospital and we're just preparing for the CHC to get involved for their assessment procedures. What I can say though is the process from before diagnosis through to where you are at it seems is just unbelievably non-service user friendly, not transparent, every SS does things differently probably to save them money if they can, we're now on our fourth social worker etc etc.........
I worked in a local authority many years ago but then private sector ever since (over 40 years total working life) and, without getting political as it's not about politics, local authority SS departments and their procedures in my opinion need completely overhauling! It's enough having to see a loved one going rapidly downhill with dementia and other health issues never mind having to deal with SS people who all say different things, waste time completing forms when we're then told that their completed form can't be accepted and another one needs completing, notes are not kept up to date, competency leaves a lot to be desired and I could go on.................
I'm not sure whether this is allowed in this Forum so please correct me if not but I'm considering starting a campaign to gain enough "signatures" to force a debate in parliament about what it seems a lot of us on here are having to go through with SS to ensure our loved one's care is decent and fair. Perhaps someone knows if this has already been done??? It needs parliament involved to tell SS what they are and are not allowed to do rather than being vague about particularly the early part of the process, social workers need competencies improving so they're all singing from the same hymn sheet and know the rules etc.........I know the process is complicated and every person's dementia is their own but there must be something better than this almost "make it up as we go along" surely. I've already kicked up some stinks and SS have met me halfway as it were but really I am looking after my Dad and Mum and don't really have time/energy to fight everyone along this line. Maybe this rant also applies to the CHC people, I don't know as yet, are they LA people or central government or a mix?
Apologies, I feel better for my rant to you but I am serious about the signatures issue. Best wishes to everyone who's having the same fights, all the posts on here help tremendously.
