Summary
A client asks an Independent
Care Adviser to advise on and provide care alternatives
for her husband who has Alzheimer’s Disease. The
Independent Care Adviser recommends care
provision at home, researches the options and provides
the client with a short-list of the most appropriate care
agencies with recommended prices. The client is happy: she
has found the best care agency for her needs, within her price
range, and she has saved money by making an informed choice
of care and provider.
The Enquiry
Following a solicitor’s introduction, Mrs Fanshaw (age
74) phoned an Independent
Care Adviser to enquire about their services and to discuss
whether they could help her in caring for her husband (age
76) who has Alzheimer’s Disease.
She was advised how they could help and a consultation
was arranged for the following day with one of their Senior
Care Advisers.
The Consultation
Mrs Fanshaw was visited by the Care Adviser. First she was
given the opportunity to discuss the overall situation from
her own perspective. Then the Care Adviser established the
physical and mental health needs of the Client, the available
support for both Client and Carer and the medical history
of the Client. Funding and personal criteria were also established.
Overall Situation
Mr Fanshaw had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease
several months previously, but was otherwise physically fit.
Mr and Mrs Fanshaw live together in their privately owned
detached house. Mrs Fanshaw was considering both his short
and long term care needs. She was finding it increasingly
difficult to cope with her husband’s confusion and verbal
aggression. The couple have four children, all living in different
areas of the country. Although they are available in the event
of a crisis, they would be unable to contribute towards the
day-to-day care issues.
Mrs Fanshaw assisted her husband with washing,
dressing, toileting and feeding. She also did all the laundry,
shopping, housework and cooking herself. Mr Fanshaw has attended
a local Day Centre in the past but has refused to return.
An initial assessment by Social
Services quickly established that Mr Fanshaw would not
be eligible for financial assistance and there has been no
further support from them.
Outcome
of the Care Adviser Consultation
During the course of the Consultation both care at home and
residential care were discussed. Mrs Fanshaw was reassured
by the knowledge that should residential care be required
in the future the Care Adviser would be able to provide professional
help and guidance on how to proceed.
Following the discussion Mrs Fanshaw asked the
Care Adviser to:
Research Care Agencies able to provide a flexible sitting
service together with light domestic tasks.
Provide additional information on the role of The Public
Guardianship Office and how to apply for his Attendance
Allowance.
Confirmation Letter
Following the consultation, the Care Adviser wrote to Mrs
Fanshaw, giving a summary of the Fanshaws’ situation,
Mrs Fanshaw’s instructions and a proposed care plan.
Mrs Fanshaw gave permission for a letter to
be sent to Mr Fanshaw’s GP informing him of the Care
Adviser’s involvement in assisting the Client and his
wife to find suitable care.
Researching the Options
The Care Adviser carried out the work and research required
to identify, contact and short-list the appropriate Care Agencies
local to Mr and Mrs Fanshaw.
The Report
A report was prepared for the Client, including details and
current brochures for the recommended Care Agencies, together
with supplementary information relevant to Mr and Mrs Fanshaw’s
situation such as an information booklet from the Public Guardianship
Office.
Follow Up Phone Call
The Care Adviser made telephone contact with Mrs Fanshaw three
days after sending the report to ensure that it had been received
and understood.
A further call was made two weeks later to see
how the selection process was progressing. Mrs Fanshaw had
contacted the agencies by telephone and selected two of them.
She was planning to employ carers for two days per week to
provide her with a break, thus enabling her to care for her
husband in their own home for longer. She had found the supplementary
information included in the report helpful. As a result she
has applied for Attendance Allowance, contacted the Public
Guardianship Office and made an appointment with an independent
financial adviser.
It was agreed that the Care Adviser would call
Mrs Fanshaw again in 3 months time to review the care requirements.
Result
Mrs Fanshaw was entirely satisfied. She has found the best
care agencies for her needs, within her price range, and saved
money by making an informed choice of care and provider.
Care Home required
for Couple with Pet
Summary
A married couple asked an Independent
Care Adviser to advise on and provide care home alternatives
for themselves and their pet dog. The Independent Care Adviser
researched the various options and provided the clients with
a short-list of the most appropriate care
homes. The couple visited the homes and selected one.
The clients were happy: they had chosen the right care home
and had saved money by making an informed choice.
The Enquiry
Mr and Mrs Wright called the Independent
Care Adviser. Mr & Mrs Wright live in their own home
and would like to consider their long-term care options.
The Independent
Care Adviser arranged a consultation at Mr and Mrs Wright’s
home for the following week.
The Consultation
Mr & Mrs Wright explained their current situation in detail
including their care and social needs.
Mrs Wright informed the Care Adviser that they
currently have assistance with gardening and housework. They
wanted to remain in their own home for as long as possible,
but they would like information on care homes for them to
consider for the future.
Mr & Mrs Wright had specific criteria for
any potential care home
environment. They wanted to remain in the Wiltshire area,
close to their family. They would require a large double en-suite
room but would also like the option of having a second room,
which could be used as a private sitting room. Lastly, Mr
& Mrs Wright would want to take their pet dog into the
care home with them.
Outcome of Consultation
Mr & Mrs Wright instructed the Care Adviser to research
care homes in a specific geographical area. They indicated
that they would probably not consider moving until next year,
so immediate vacancies were not necessary.
Mr Wright informed the Care Adviser that their
family would take them to view potential homes.
Confirmation Letter
Following the consultation, the Care Adviser wrote to Mr and
Mrs Wright, giving a summary of their situation and their
instructions.
Researching the Options
With due regard to Mr & Mrs Wright’s care, social,
financial and geographical requirements, the Care Adviser
researched their specialist databases and selected appropriate
target care homes which would meet the specific criteria,
and then contacted them to check room availability and negotiate
prices.
The Report
A detailed, personalised report was produced for Mr &
Mrs Wright.
This report gave details of a selection of care
homes in their requested geographical area and the facilities
available, including information on the local amenities, which
were important to them. The report highlighted room cost and
the home’s attitude towards residents’ pets. A
brochure for each listed care home was enclosed.
The report and covering letter were sent to
Mr & Mrs Wright within a week of their initial consultation.
Follow Up
The Care Adviser contacted Mr & Mrs Wright two days after
the report was sent to check that the information had been
received and to answer any questions that they might have.
Mr Wright informed the Care Adviser that they
had short-listed four of the listed care homes and that their
son would take them to visit.
Final Outcome
Mr and Mrs Wright selected their favoured care home. They
continued to live in their own home for a further year and
then they and their pet dog moved into the care home. They
were entirely satisfied: they had found the best care home
for their needs and had saved money by making an early, informed
choice.
If you require further assistance or would like to speak to
the Independent Care Adviser this site recommends please call
0800 137 669 or complete the e-mail
enquiry form.
Outcome
of the Care Adviser Consultation
