"Made it possible for us to cope at home"

My 99 year old mother recently very suddenly lost her usual level of mobility and was being treated with antibiotics for a suspected UTI.   I live with my mother and was her only full time carer, and the GP who visited rightly realised that I could no longer cope with Mum's care (especially as I was awaiting imminent knee surgery).  He also arranged for the Neighbourhood Team to come to assess what care/equipment/support was needed and this meant we could avoid sending her into hospital.

The District Nurses and their Twilight colleagues then came in and made it possible for us to cope at home - bringing in OT and Physio input, which was useful - and cheerfully encouraged Mum to manage at home until we could get her in to Respite care, whilst I was in hospital.  They re-assessed her for continence supplies and directed me to a carer to come in after her return home (and take some pressure off me too!)

I really appreciate how this service stepped in and kept us able to cope at home until the Respite care could take her in.  She had also, unfortunately, lost some of her little remaining sight which meant her confidence in transfers etc was difficult to deal with, but the Team just kept re-assuring her that it was safe and secure (which the Respite carers have continued in the same vein).  She is due home this weekend and I feel re-assured that the Neighbourhood team are just a phone call away, should I need to call on them for advice, etc.