Care Opinion

Text size

Theme

Language

Videos in BSL or ISL
Help with language translation
Help with reading or listening

Trying to access care for parents

Posted By circinusnp75

"Trying to access care for parents"

About: Community/District Nursing / Perth & Kinross South District Nursing Older People's Mental Health / South Perthshire Older People's Community Mental Health Team

(as a relative),

There are no easy answers. We feel stressed & sad that although our parents have no financial problems & can afford care they are totally resistant to care & in any event care is difficult to find. Care homes are generally full with no respite places. Private at home care has little availability.

We find we go round in circles, from GP (difficult to contact), social services (unable to provide help without consent) & community mental health team. 

As a result of everything there have been unnecessary hospital admissions (can’t be left at home as no care in place) & harm caused (dementia sufferer spends all her time searching for her husband while he is in hospital).

We can see the crisis approaching (have P of A which works for financial matters but not for welfare) and are unable to take any steps to either prevent or reduce the level of crisis.

More about:
Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Gayle Thomson, Senior Charge Nurse/Team Lead, South Perthshire OPCMHT, Perth & Kinross Health & Social Care Partnership 3 days ago
Gayle Thomson
Senior Charge Nurse/Team Lead, South Perthshire OPCMHT,
Perth & Kinross Health & Social Care Partnership

I am the Team Lead for the South Perthshire Older People's Community Mental Health Team

Submitted on 30/10/2025 at 10:59
Published on Care Opinion at 10:59

picture of Gayle Thomson

Dear circinusnp75

Thank you for taking the time to get in touch.

I am sorry to read about the challenges that you are facing in seeking support for your parents. Navigating care service can be complex and I appreciate how difficult this must be for you.

I would be keen to discuss this matter with you in more detail to help clarify the options available and ensure that you are directed to the appropriate support.

Please feel free to contact me in 01764 653173 extension 54459. I am on annual leave week commencing 03/11/25 but available on Friday 31/10/25 if that is suitable.

Kind regards

Gayle Thomson

SCN/Team Lead

South Perthshire OPCMHT

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful

Update posted by circinusnp75 (a relative)

Thanks

I have tried to phone the number you left this afternoon but unfortunately reception is closed so it doesn't seem possible for me to be put through to your extension number.

I have left a message on the ansaphone.

Response from Gayle Thomson, Senior Charge Nurse/Team Lead, South Perthshire OPCMHT, Perth & Kinross Health & Social Care Partnership 2 days ago
Gayle Thomson
Senior Charge Nurse/Team Lead, South Perthshire OPCMHT,
Perth & Kinross Health & Social Care Partnership

I am the Team Lead for the South Perthshire Older People's Community Mental Health Team

Submitted on 31/10/2025 at 20:20
Published on Care Opinion at 20:20

picture of Gayle Thomson

Thank you for taking the time to talk with me this afternoon. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch again, if required.

Gayle Thomson

SCN/Team Lead

SPOPCMHT

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k