"Psychosis, depression and weight loss"

I’m writing this review on behalf of my dad, around 5 months ago my dad started experiencing psychosis and rapid weight loss due to depression. Both my brother and I live far away and as my dad is good at pretending over the phone we had no idea how he was feeling or that he was suffering from depression, until a phone call over New Years where I could tell he was suffering some sort of delusion, after driving up to my dad it was clear he had been suffering for a long time and his weight had dropped close to 40 kilos. He was in full blown psychosis and in a constant state of fear. We contacted the doctor and the mental health team with the thought it could be dementia but this was not the case, my dad was suffering from psychotic depression and was withering away from self neglect. This is when the hospital at home team were brought in.

From the very start the team were brilliant. Although my dad was wary at first due to his paranoia, it didn’t take long for the team to break down his walls and help him feel comforted, less isolated and less anxious. For me and my brother living so far away was incredibly hard and nerve wracking but the hospital at home team kept us informed every step of the way, it was a huge comfort to know my dad was being so well cared for by a team of absolute rock stars.

Due to his weight loss and my dads uncertainty around his medication the decision was made to admit him into the mental health ward. The team were compassionate and supportive, helped him pack his bag and gave him comfort at a time where I’m sure he was anxious. After being released from the hospital after making great progress he was back in the care of the hospital home team for a short period of time, where the level of care, professionalism and kindness didn’t falter.

This team was truly a god send at a time that was very worrying for us all. I can’t sing their praises enough, I will forever be grateful to them for taking care of my dad. Thankyou hospital at home team!