"Dedicated, wonderful team"

Mum was diagnosed with Alzheimers a few years ago but recently her episodes of confusion increased rapidly which had a knock on effect on taking medication (e.g. thinking 2.30am is breakfast time), meal times, sleep patterns and fluid intake. It all came to a head and we needed to get mum to hospital. 

Mum was seen by the most brilliant, caring, expert, knowledgeable, committed team imaginable. I am in awe of all of them. From working with Mum during a horrendous episode of delirium (which saw me sobbing for hours) to providing a wee stuffed cat that 'breathes' as it snoozes, their individual attention and care (while managing the care of an enormous number of people) is breath-taking. 

While no-one can ever promise anything in such situations, the calmness and professionalism was a reassuring and guiding hand. 

At each stage the team has sought not only to gather as much background as possible on mum (from medical and personal viewpoints) but has ensured we are aware and up-to-date on status and plans, listening to all of us and including our input as a family in what-happens-next.

The NHS often gets a hammering for food. Not the case at all here. Every meal is varied, generous, beautifully prepared with care and completely delicious and nutritious. This, combined with regular fluid intake has, I'm positive, resulted in the positive changes we've seen. 

Mum is now back to her old self and we're looking at ways to ensure mum is safe but has as much independence as possible at home for as long as possible. At the start of all of this just a month ago, this is an outcome I didn't believe that would be possible. The only reason it is is 100% down to the dedicated, wonderful team.