"Thank you for all your help and kindness"

After living independently at home with support and strategies in place, Mum's dementia was progressing to a place where I needed more guidance and professional input.  Mum's post dementia support team suggested we contact social work for a review meeting.

I wasn't sure what to expect but i can honestly say from the first meeting with Kathleen I felt supported and understood.

Kathleen carried out an assessment with Mum.  She took the time not only to get to know Mum, she understood her wishes/concerns/needs and also her history and family dynamics.

From this assessment Kathleen put together a small care package which dovetailed with the practical solutions already in place and her life style.

This worked well for a short period of time and following further deterioration Mum was placed in crisis respite care.  During this time I was supported by other colleagues from the team and they were extremely professional/caring and quick to get up to speed with Mum's situation and worked collectively with other NHS professionals to ensure mum was safe and cared for.

Following this respite and seeing how well physically and mentally mum was, Kathleen helped to facilitate input from the GP, the mental health team and the care home manager to ascertain the best care package for Mum in the right place. This professional and practical approach was solution focused and the reassurance I needed to ensure the correct decisions were being made for the right reasons. At all times Kathleen considered Mum's views, her safety and her needs physically and mentally.

Following this Kathleen has helped me navigate systems and procedures to ensure I notify the right people at the right time.  She has also helped with putting me in touch with the finance and ensuring we have some financial input to mum's personal care. All of this has been done empathetically whilst providing me with reliable support and guidance when I've felt out my depth.

Kathleen and her colleagues have provided us with much needed professional help during a very difficult time and I'm very grateful that I had that support and guidance.

After hearing some less than positive stories about social services I am delighted to share our experience. Thank you NHS Perth & Kinross for all your help and kindness.