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Independent living with dementia serviced by the trust owned...

Posted By Dementia 85

"Independent living with dementia serviced by the trust owned by housing provider"

About: Belfast Health & Social Care Trust

(as a relative),

My mum is 85 and has lived independently with dementia at Hemsworth Court for nearly 5 years. As a family we were delighted with the new facility in our area which would cater for mums needs on a 24hr basis but still allow family to play an active toll in mums every day life . 

Unfortunately Covid 19 had other ideas, around mid March the facility went into voluntary lockdown which we fully supported the manager called by telephone explained it was to insure the safety of all residents. By the end of March government lockdown officially began and mum received a letter stated it would start at the end of July.  This date was eagerly awaited on by myself and family And of course mum who with the help of the wonderful staff had been well looked after and more importantly kept virus free . This is where things got complicated, according to manager the facility is still under trust lockdown as higher authority hasn’t been given, measures that he can put in place haven’t been agreed and his hands are tied ! So affectively my 85 year old mum has been under lock down for 6 months with no sign of let up , we are fortunate mums apartment is on ground level we have patio access now , but 6 months family haven’t been able to clean floors , toilets, change beds , wash floors dust !! I’m sure you’re getting the picture, Independent living only works with families who can provide the care , staff are not domestic workers . I want decisions made ASAP my mothers physical and mental health are at a low , we are losing our precious time with her not to dementia but to a system that hasn’t developed the criteria to implement policies and agendas for a facility that’s not a care  home !

Feeling frustrated as my mum just wants out for a breath of fresh air ...

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Responses

Response from Barry Murtagh, Complaints Manager, Governance and Complaints, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust 3 years ago
Barry Murtagh
Complaints Manager, Governance and Complaints,
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

Submitted on 27/08/2020 at 21:31
Published on Care Opinion on 28/08/2020 at 09:50

picture of Barry Murtagh

Dear Dementia 85,

My name is Barry Murtagh and I am the facilitator for Care Opinion within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

Thank you for sharing this story on Care Opinion regarding the experience of your mother and your family in Hemsworth Court during the current pandemic.

Covid-19 has certainly forced a lot of changes within Health and Social Care and I can appreciate the anxiety this has caused your mum and your family.

Part of my role is to make sure the correct staff respond to your story and I will ensure it is expedited to the staff who can answer your concerns.

Best wishes,

Barry

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Response from Olivia Clarke, Service Manager, Division of Adult, Community and Older people, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust 3 years ago
Olivia Clarke
Service Manager, Division of Adult, Community and Older people,
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

Submitted on 28/08/2020 at 16:09
Published on Care Opinion at 16:29

Dear Dementia 85

My name is Olivia Clarke and I am the Interim Service Manager for Older People’s Services in Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

Firstly, thank you for sharing your story on Care Opinion and for your kind comments regarding the staff at Hemsworth Court. I will share your comments with them.

I take on board your concerns regarding the visiting restrictions put in place during the current Covid-19 pandemic. I appreciate this has been such an anxious and frustrating time for you and your family.

Visiting within the Trust's Supported Housing Schemes were put in place in line with the Regional Guidance for Supporting Safe Visiting Arrangements issued by the Department of Health on 3rd July 2020. Hemsworth Court have an operational plan on how to implement this Guidance to facilitate visits by family. These arrangements are kept under review, however they are intended to support visits for tenants whilst balancing the on-going risks posed to tenants, families and staff

I would also like to give you the opportunity to contact me directly so I can talk through your

concerns. You can contact me on 02895042527.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes,

Olivia

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