Sorry if this is a bit long.
My mum is 91 and has lived alone for a number of years. My husband and I help with shopping, cleaning, gardening, money and I take her regular meals. For years we have been trying to persuade her to apply for sheltered housing or to buy a flat but she was very resistant to change and was managing adequately. She has an extremely arthritic knee and needs a wheelchair to get around outside the house. We have recently realised that she has very limited vision but has hidden this from us.
We always knew that it would cause a crisis to sort this out and last week she fell and ruptured her Achilles’ tendon.
They didn’t operate but have her in plaster and a frame contraption which keeps her heel off the floor. It’s the same leg as the bad knee ( and an ulcer)!
At the hospital today the doctor says she can go home now.
But will remain in plaster for 10 weeks!
Neither her house or ours has a downstairs toilet.
She is still needing a lot of care albeit not medical. But uses a huge walking frame and needs help at all times.
The nurse said that she will contact social services regarding her discharge and a care package will be put in place.
What will happen now. Is there provision for a sort of halfway house for patients like her. I really don’t feel she can live alone again regardless of any care plan that is put in place. I am aware that beds are needed for patients that need medical care.
If you’ve read this far and have any experience/advice for me I’d be very grateful.
Thank you
Do you still wear you original wedding and engagement ring