You might think the choice of living at home is a basic right of any individual – this is true in the majority of cases – but when faced with the impacts of Dementia this choice, for many, can only be achieved with a financial contribution from your local authority.
You might think the choice of living at home is a basic right of any individual – this is true in the majority of cases – but when faced with the impacts of Dementia this choice, for many, can only be achieved with a financial contribution from your local authority. My wife, Susan, was diagnosed with dementia in 2006 at just 56 years old. Initially she spent a short period of time in a residential home which had a devastating effect, dramatically accelerating the impacts of the condition. We quickly decided to return her home with the support of live-in care provided by The Good Care Group with our local authority, East Sussex Council continuing to fund her care at home. The result can only be described as a miracle with Susan recovering a sense of wellbeing, dignity and contentment.
However, for the last 6 months, we’ve been faced with great uncertainty and an enormously stressful time for myself, my family and two wonderful carers who have provided consistent care for my wife for the last two and a half years. This is the result of a proposed reduction in funding of 60% and a further proposal that my wife’s needs can be met by locating her into an EMI (Elderly Mentally Infirm) home. Moving to a home is not something we want given our previous experience.
The proposal of our local authority has been strongly resisted to the extent that the matter is only likely to be resolved through the courts.
Previous commitments by Government and Local Authorities to keeping people at home or decisions taken in the best interests and wellbeing of the individual seem to have evaporated to suit the dreadful financial situation facing us all.
I can only hope that a sense of reasonableness will prevail as our discussions approach conclusion.
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