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My father and social work South Ayrshire

Posted By Alfredo0403

"My father and social work South Ayrshire"

About: South Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership

(as a parent/guardian),

Immersive Reader

My dad is in his 90's, has late stage Dementia and a replacement heart valve at 80 years old with an approx. 7 year life span. His social worker left their position in Dec 2022 and he is still waiting to be allocated another one. My mum (in her 80's) looks after him 24/7 and she now has health issues. I've been waiting since Jan 2023 to have her assessed. 

South Ayrshire Social Work dept. have a waiting list for assessment and reassessment, I've been told, due to staff shortages.

My dad's mobility is now an issue and he is prone to falls as well as being incontinent. His and my mums caring needs have changed dramatically during the last year and I cant get any changes put in place due to him not having a social worker for the past 11 months. 

I regularly phone social work... sometimes on hold for 30 min plus..... for them to hang up. They don't phone me back, won't let me speak to a team leader or manager. I was told someone will phone me next week. I have been told that the situation is not an emergency although an ambulance has had to be called out twice in the last fortnight, once for a fall and suspected broken hip and second for a suspected stroke. Through all this my mum is struggling to cope both mentally and physically. 

I am frustrated that not enough is being done for them, scared that there may be a severe accident and tired with all the mental anguish of looking after both parents, 2 young grandchildren, running 2 households, all medical appointments, supplying food etc by myself.

How do I get a social worker allocated to my parents? Or do I just wait until its too late? I feel that the council are being reactive instead of proactive which is what is desperately needed for the older declining generation.

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Responses

Response from Kirsty Frew, Principle Social Worker, Social Work, South Ayrshire Council about a year and a half ago
Kirsty Frew
Principle Social Worker, Social Work,
South Ayrshire Council

Submitted on 17/11/2023 at 16:00
Published on Care Opinion at 16:31

Immersive Reader

Dear Alfredo0403

My name is Kirsty Frew and I am a Principle Social worker for South Ayrshire Council

Firstly may I apologize for the delay in receiving a care package at this distressing time, I accept that the waiting times do not fall within our timescale we aspire too, this is a result of a combination of factors, including staff shortages. The recruitment of social workers is a national issue and not one just experienced by South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, we are actively recruiting on an ongoing basis for social work staff, although I accept this is far from ideal.

May I ask that you contact me on 01292 281993 so we can discuss this further as I am disappointed you have never received a return phone call and been on hold only for the call to then end. I will then be able to view your dads file and ascertain the issues and if these can be resolved.

May I once again apologies for the distress and frustration that you, your Mum and Dad have experienced as a result of this delay.

Kind Regards,

Kirsty.

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Response from Kirsty Frew, Principle Social Worker, Social Work, South Ayrshire Council about a year and a half ago
We have made a change
Kirsty Frew
Principle Social Worker, Social Work,
South Ayrshire Council

Submitted on 21/11/2023 at 12:29
Published on Care Opinion at 14:52

Immersive Reader

Since our post, Alfredo0403 has made contact to discuss concerns raised, Concerns had already been raised by my social work team and I was able to advise a social worker for Alfredo0403’s Dad had already been allocated to a new team member. They will be in contact with the family to arrange a review. I was able to give Alfredo0403 the allocated social workers name so when calling the office in the future they can contact them directly. I am glad to advise a package of support was already in place and had recently been increased before our contact. In addition, the allocated worker will complete a Carers Support plan with Alfredo0403’s mum to ensure that her needs as a carer are understood and there is a holistic view of the current circumstances.

I hope you will find reassurance in this response.

Kind Regards,

Kirsty

  • 0 people think this response is helpful