"Older Adult Psychiatric Service RAH"

In December 2022 my mum who has advanced Alzheimer’s was allocated a community psychiatric nurse Lizzie. Lizzie works in the older adults psychiatric service ward 38 in the RAH Paisley. Lizzie being allocated to work with us meant we managed to look after mum at home for another nine months. 

These nine months were not without their issues however with Lizzie support, encouragement, empathy and understanding we prevailed. She offered options regards medication support, undertook joint working with our allocated social worker which meant they worked as a team to increase allocated carers hours and as well as referring the family for carers support. In retrospect the time proved fruitful in giving us the opportunity to enjoy good times with mum. She was happier, calmer and more connected and we could see her personality come to the fore again. This period was the happiest time for me in the 7 years of caring for mum at home. 

Lizzie exudes professionalism, endless knowledge on the condition and always followed through on what she promised to do. Countless times she called me unexpectedly to see how things were? I felt so supported and refreshed after these calls that helped me keep going. The communication from Lizzie was second to none….as a family we were so so impressed with the care and service we received not only from Lizzie our CPN but the whole older adults team. I’d especially like to mention the services receptionist who diligently took calls and who always followed through in solving our queries or problem progressing medication change instructions  with the GP etc. I’d say she is the linchpin of this team. 

It became apparent continuing home care was no longer possible as Mum was requiring 24 hr care. We had already been allocated  the maximum home care finance package, but the now we required an additional 7 nights of overnight care. Even if the care budget had been available our home care provider could not cover this additional demand due to the current staffing demands in community care.

6 weeks ago Mum moved to long term care…..The most welcome surprise to us is mum will continue to have continuity of care from the Older Adults Psychiatric team at the RAH, she will continue to be monitored and looked after by the CPN service.

As a family we are so grateful for this, to know she will continue to receive their expert care is an immense relief at such a difficult time for our family and mum.

I often hear how fractured NHSGGC services are and how poor care can be. I can honestly say this has not been our experience of being under the care of this very small coherent team of professionals. 

I’d like to recommend other departments, specialties and teams as well as NHSGGC’s Corporate Nursing and Medical management seek out this team to understand what excellence in care actually looks like in practice and make changes to ensure they replicate the everyday working practices of this team as they have by far surpassed our expectations of personalised care for mum. Including how they treated us family carers with the same personalised care, compassion and support that allowed us to have quality time with mum before she moved to long term care. 

I actually can’t thank them enough for what they have done for us and wish them to know the positive impact their expertise and care has had on us as a family