Mother 87, has dementia, admitted after midnight chest infection, query urine infection, unable to walk. Assessment ward, family members stayed with her until about noon, went home but called back almost immediately as mother may have had stroke.
11 family members allowed to see her, all gathered around the bed, obviously doctors thought this was the end. Mother woke up! Still very poorly but still with us! Transferred from assessment unit to west 1. Nurse asked who was staying with mother overnight?
Already family awake more than 24 hours. No extra staff available to take care of patient with dementia. One family member stayed. Next morning nurse asked about family member staying overnight again. Not possible. Family told a "bank nurse" booked from 7pm. No show.
Complained to a senior staff member and told that no bank nurse had been booked. Family left being assured that mother would be OK and that ward staff would keep an eye on her. Family left feeling guilty. Family left feeling pressured. Family left feeling exhausted. Family left feeling outraged!
Does no one know how hard it is to take care of dementia sufferer when they are physically well, and how much harder when unwell? What will happen tomorrow, the next day, the days to follow.
"No extra staff available to take care of patient"
About: University Hospital Llandough / Older people's healthcare University Hospital Llandough Older people's healthcare CF64 2XX
Posted by ourmumhasdementia (as ),
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