Success Stories

Mrs S carers for her husband who has Parkinson’s disease and some memory loss. She had been contacted by West Suffolk Hospital to arrange her elective hip replacement operation.

Background:

She explained to the hospital staff that with only 8 days’ notice prior to her admission it was going to be difficult for her to make the necessary care arrangements for her husband. Hospital referred her to Suffolk Family Carers for respite on prescription.

Identified support and issues: 

Suffolk Family Carers adviser provided emotional support as Mrs S was very tearful about her circumstances. Unfortunately, funding for respite on prescription was no longer available, so time was spent securing a bed in a local care home. At the last minute Mrs S was advised that the bed was no longer available so her son, who happened to be seeking employment at the time, managed to step in to care for his father.

During the operation Mrs S developed a fracture in her femur and was informed that she would need 2 x sticks to mobilise at all times over the next 6 weeks. She was concerned that her impaired mobility would impact on her ability to care for her husband. Suffolk Family Carers Adviser liaised with social care professionals to secure a place at Nowton Court (local care home) for her and her husband for two weeks. The Adviser also discussed claiming Attendance Allowance to help her with her finances

Summary of Support Provided 

  • Healthwatch contact information provided to report lack of funding for respite on prescription and more time needed for Family carers to plan for elective surgery.
  • Suffolk Family Carers Adviser liaised with hospital social care team to organise assessment for the Enabling service assessment to be conducted at Nowton Court.
  • Customer First details provided to request Carers Assessment for her husband.
  • Age UK details provided to arrange Benefit Adviser to apply for Attendance Allowance and a Blue Badge, should she experience partial recovery.

Mrs S comments:

“I am so grateful to Suffolk Family Carers for their time and effort in making arrangements for me. It really helped being able to talk through my concerns at a very difficult time as the Adviser put my mind at ease. Going forward I find it very comforting knowing the information line is there if I need further support”.