"Concern regarding how our older generation are treated"

On arrival to ward 4 A, I was pleased to see that they were participating in a care initiative to involve family more, however unfortunately this was not our experience. We were generally given a brief update if we were visiting and asked, but we were not contacted for a history or a baseline or included in care in any way. I had to ask to get mum's prescribed medication written up in ED and each ward despite having provided a list and this being on the Electronic Care Register.

The nurses were all lovely and helpful but from an MDT perspective, there was a clear lack of person centredness. The best interests of the patient were certainly not considered.

Family were not included in treatment or discharge planning. We were contacted by the social worker re discharge with a plan for discharge that day. There was no consideration given to family concerns. We asked for transfer to a rehabilitation facility to promote mum's independence following a hip fracture but we were advised this was not possible, as a manager said so, with no other rationale given. Apparently they had to go on the wishes of the patient as mum had agreed to this, despite her being confused and having unrealistic and unsafe expectations (she later said she felt she had no choice but to accept as she was told there was no other option).

A care package was arranged with four visits a day with two staff as mum was not able to mobilise without this. Advised they would not help prepare food or make a drink and family could make a sandwich and a flask as an alternative. Expressed concern re mum needed to go to the toilet more that four times a day at pre - arranged times and overnight, advised she could use a pad, therefore effectively reducing someone's Independence and dignity by allowing them to soil themselves.

I expressed my concerns regarding leaving someone in their late 70's, alone and unable to mobilise, between brief visits, but again this was dismissed. This was especially concerning as mum's understanding was that if she was being discharged, she was well enough to mobilise unaided. Mum said she would climb the stairs on her bum and asked the social worker if she could use a walking stick, despite needing two staff to stand up! I also expressed my concern that the house was not suitable for my mum's return but the social worker kept repeating that it was up to the family to sort this and expected that this could be done quickly to facilitate discharge.

It was again declined to consider transfer to a community hospital or similar for rehabilitation, even in the interim, as apparently the manager said this was not possible. I spoke to a different social worker the next day, who liaised with OT and Physio and agreed to admission to Ards Community Hospital, however this was delayed as the admitting doctor was not happy with mum's wound and felt she was not medically fit. When transferred, she was there for almost three weeks.

The OT was excellent and provided everything they could prior to transfer being agreed but it was unclear what level of community rehabilitation and when this would take place, as it is a different service and there is a waiting list.

I found out later that basics like support with attending to personal care was lacking with mum not being offered to clean her teeth once, nor was she offered a shower. She was supporting with a wash by male staff, which she was not comfortable with but did not feel she could refuse.

Medication was left for her to take herself, which she did not always do. She has had arthritis in her hands and I found these later.

It is very sad and disheartening how our older generation are now treated. The total lack of an MDT approach and a clear rush for discharge is to the detriment of the patient.

I feel for anyone who does not have family or someone to advocate for them or provide support.