"Delayed Discharge"

My Father suffers from end stage dementia and has lived at home with an effective care package which has ran efficiently for approximately 4 years.

He also attends a local day care centre 3 times per week for support with his physical health and mental health, and to allow him to remain in company and to feel included in the community.

Following a recent hospital admission to University Hospital Hairmyres, my father was medically fit for discharge 12 days following admission only to be informed that his care package ( provided via social work by a private care provider) had been discontinued and no longer available to support him at home.

Despite being fit for discharge my father is being forced to remain in a setting that is not only no longer beneficial to him but is actually now having a negative impact on his wellbeing. 

My father is now occupying a “winter bed” which could be used for someone who requires it more, at a time when there are extreme pressures on the NHS due to the shortage of beds which occurs every winter.

I find it astounding that at this time of year, with the consequent pressure on in-patient beds, my father is having to remain in hospital following 12 days of treatment. 

 

It is important for the wellbeing of dementia patients that they receive continuity of care and remain in their own environment as much as possible.

Causing a delay in my father's discharge can only have a negative impact on his wellbeing. I find the whole situation extremely poor. I feel that it will hamper his recovery. I believe that it has removed his right to return home, which is the best environment for him. When a new care package is in place the carers will have to start from scratch to familiarise themselves with my father and at this stage of his dementia influx of unfamiliar people will be extremely distressing for him.

South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership Home Care Department have explored the potential of other options for my father including respite care, which I felt could be detrimental to my father due to his dementia and Self Directed Services have also been offered which does not seem a good option or me to explore.

 

I appreciate that Hairmyres Discharge Co-Ordinator’s and the South Lanarkshire Home Care Team make contact with all external providers within the area twice daily to check their availability to provide the care package required to support my father.

I find it astounding that at this time of year, with the consequent pressure on in-patient beds, my father is having to remain in hospital following 12 days of treatment.