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Warden Call Out Services
This may be a long shot, or I may just get a 'let me google that for you' reply - which would help as I have tried but am getting nowhere.
I will try and keep this brief - my ageing parents are both in ill health, but the most problematic issues are resulting from my Dad's prostate cancer. He has had lots of treatment and lots of complications (spending over 6 months in hospital) and is now at home. I don't want to 'drip feed' but also don't want to go into too many details as it is all very personal and very upsetting, but a key issue - due to extensive surgery, being very weak, diabetic and having had a hip replacement (with lots of complications) he is not stable so is prone to falls - especially if he needs to get up in the night/early hours.
Mum does everything she can, but if he has fallen over in the bedroom it is very difficult for her to lift him up. I live about 200 miles away so can't be 'on call', and whilst my brother and sister (who live nearby) do their best, they cannot be there all the time.
I should also mention that they get regular visits from their doctor, the nursing team and Macmillan Nurses, but that doesn't help at 5am if he has got up to use the commode and fallen over.
Hopefully that has 'set the scene' enough.
For various (private) reasons, moving into warden controlled 'sheltered housing' is not an option, but I am aware that there are 'call out' warden services in some areas - either provided through the local council or commercially. There is a system called Warden Call in York (which would be perfect, save for the fact they live in Oxfordshire).
I wondered if anyone knew of either an Oxfordshire service (OK, too much to hope for) or any other national service - even commercial, that may offer a similar system. The York service mentions an emergency 'pendant', and I know I have seen something, somewhere, sometime on TV - long before I ever thought I may need to use it.
Anything anyone can suggest would be helpful, though in advance, I must stress that moving into warden controlled housing (though appropriate) is not an option. Even if it is just an idea of what to put into Google - I just get Dog Wardens in Oxford, which is not really what I had in mind.
I apologise if any of this feels like 'drip feeding', as it really isn't - the things I have not expanded on are because they are personal and private (yes, I know this forum is anonymous, but... well... that is just me. I have spent much time thinking if I should even post this !!).
I will try and keep this brief - my ageing parents are both in ill health, but the most problematic issues are resulting from my Dad's prostate cancer. He has had lots of treatment and lots of complications (spending over 6 months in hospital) and is now at home. I don't want to 'drip feed' but also don't want to go into too many details as it is all very personal and very upsetting, but a key issue - due to extensive surgery, being very weak, diabetic and having had a hip replacement (with lots of complications) he is not stable so is prone to falls - especially if he needs to get up in the night/early hours.
Mum does everything she can, but if he has fallen over in the bedroom it is very difficult for her to lift him up. I live about 200 miles away so can't be 'on call', and whilst my brother and sister (who live nearby) do their best, they cannot be there all the time.
I should also mention that they get regular visits from their doctor, the nursing team and Macmillan Nurses, but that doesn't help at 5am if he has got up to use the commode and fallen over.
Hopefully that has 'set the scene' enough.
For various (private) reasons, moving into warden controlled 'sheltered housing' is not an option, but I am aware that there are 'call out' warden services in some areas - either provided through the local council or commercially. There is a system called Warden Call in York (which would be perfect, save for the fact they live in Oxfordshire).
I wondered if anyone knew of either an Oxfordshire service (OK, too much to hope for) or any other national service - even commercial, that may offer a similar system. The York service mentions an emergency 'pendant', and I know I have seen something, somewhere, sometime on TV - long before I ever thought I may need to use it.
Anything anyone can suggest would be helpful, though in advance, I must stress that moving into warden controlled housing (though appropriate) is not an option. Even if it is just an idea of what to put into Google - I just get Dog Wardens in Oxford, which is not really what I had in mind.
I apologise if any of this feels like 'drip feeding', as it really isn't - the things I have not expanded on are because they are personal and private (yes, I know this forum is anonymous, but... well... that is just me. I have spent much time thinking if I should even post this !!).
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I just did a search for Oxfordshire and found these, which may or not be able to quote you for that service:
http://www.helpinghandshomecare.co.uk/
http://www.mycareroxfordshire.org.uk/services
https://www.oxfordaunts.co.uk/
http://www.24hrliveincareuk.com/
http://www.realcareworld.com/
Most of these are specialist in 'live-in care' providers, but may be more than happy to quote for what you need if you or your parents are happy to pay for it.
The out-of-ours number for 'Carers Oxfordshire', a council-run (public) service is 0800 833408. Apparently you can ring them in an emergency, 24 hours a day and they might come round and help - but this is probably more limited to serious emergencies.
http://www.carersoxfordshire.org.uk/cms/content/emergency-help
I have yet to 'sell' this whole idea to Mum and Dad, so anything that gives credence to my thought is helpful.
I had tried all sorts of Google searches, but was getting nowhere - once again, thank you.
That's not a problem
I also saw quite a few of the pendant/emergency alarm button providers but all they will do is call 999 or a designated family member (probably you) - a lot of them don't actually provide a warden service with the technology.
You are giving me business ideas though (:D), I wonder if there's much call for this sort of thing!?
Some of the sites I had found offered a 999 or call a relative service, but that is not always needed (in the case of 999) or, harsh as it sounds, practical.
By no means am I trying to pass the care of my parents off to others, as stated I live so far away that I am neither use nor ornament anyway, but to be honest, even if I was local, due to the nature of my job, there is no flexibility - and I work ever changing and bizarre hours, so being on call would not be possible.
The 'York' service is exactly what I need for my parents, they don't need a 'carer' as such as they have regular medical visitors. What they need is an 'emergency' help line, that they can contact out of hours - so that they feel safe, and so that I feel so much better about their safety and their ability to deal with a relatively minor crisis (in the grand scheme of things) when it happens - at whatever time.
I have no doubt that there are plenty of people in this position (in terms of my parents) and plenty of [their] family members who would feel so much happier if this was available.
Community Alarm, Telecare and Sheltered Housing Service
Telephone 01908 222616 - the community alarm system is great, they use the pendant
if you contact Oxford council, they should be able to help
We live in Hertfordshire and have telecare service. This is a free service, we have an alarm system fitted and have to wear medallions, if my husband falls and I am out he presses his buzzer and the alarm company will call him. They have put a key safe outside that has a code that allows a carer or medic to get in. I am sure this must be available in other areas.
You used to have to pay for this but, not any more. apparently it saves on hospital care.
So far it has worked well. My husband just needs to have the phone with him if I am out.
Dave
I have spoken to Mum and Dad about this sort of service and, very pleasingly, they are both on board and like the idea.
I have explained about what services are offered in other areas and we are all going to look into what may be available for them, which will now be easier with the suggestions you have made.
The 'key safe' is a brilliant service, and is something that we can adapt if it is not offered.
Again, thank you all.