Well, I'm stunned

[rabbitearbandicoot]

My wife has just had an operation on her good shoulder. Why? Because she had torn tendons etc and couldn't use her stick to walk with - some make recall she had a stroke a few years back and is hemi-plegic. She couldn't use her right arm without pain - even to push herself up off the chair / bed etc.

Well, I just received a phone call from the Social Workers in Nambour hospital telling me that she is not entitled to any help - rehab, physio, home help with showering, toileting etc. Why? I asked. Because she elected to have surgery on her shoulder. The help is reserved for someone who falls and breaks something and is incapacitated from that fall.

So, in summary - she has BOTH arms useless - one from the stroke, and the other in a sling for 6 weeks - she is paralised down her left side - I have to go up tomorrow to discuss bringing her home.

I asked the Social worker - what happens when she falls over, breaks a hip - she said Oh, well that would be a different matter. You should have arranged something prior to the operation if you needed help with her. You can come and discuss it with the Social workers up here but I'm sure it's a done-deal.

So, any suggestions ????? Apart from shoot myself I mean.

[freddie*rooster]

I would be calling in the morning and telling them you have a bad back, so will be unable to attend their meeting, and due to the bad back I will be unable to take care of my wife until such time as she is less reliant on my care and responsibility.

[azureline**]

Sorry rabbit.............. when you arrive for your meeting, take your son with you and if you can manage to do it in his presence, fall apart, let them know how this is, do not put a brave face on it, tell it like it is.

Your next call should be to the local Church run welfare service and ask for help.

[kengillard]

Hi Clive....what a mix up.  I'm quite sure you're entitled to help.  That's ridiculous!  have you spoken to GH care?  they may be able to suggest something?

Has Sue been assessed by ACAT?

[azureline**]

ACAT is aged care assessment team........ there must be a community care service though, surely?

[azureline**]

Queensland Community Care Services
If you need help to stay living at home and in your community, you may be eligible for assistance from Community Care.Community Care provides basic support (usually 1-5 hours per week) to people with a disability or condition that restricts their day-to-day living who are under 65.

Client and service information can be obtained from:

Queensland Community Care Services
Dept of Communities, Child Safety & Disability Services
For people with a disability under 65 years of age (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people under 50 years of age)
Community Care Access Point - Phone: 1800 600 300
Website: www.qld.gov.au/communitycare

[azureline**]

To apply, phone your local Community Access Point on 1800 600 300. You do not need a referral.

[rabbitearbandicoot]

thanks for the help. I spoke to my Dr and he rang them this afternoon. It was soon after that, that the other Guy rang and abused me. Anyway, Dr is going to write to the powers that be up there. Don't know if it will make any difference but we'll see I guess.

I have decided to go up for 11:00 appointment - all being well with Andy. I will TRY to keep my cool.

[azureline**]

Please call that number in the morning! Gives them time to arrange help.

[kengillard]

you taking Andy with you?  I would.....good luck.   I'm sure it will work itself out... keep us informed please

and

keep your cool!!!!  wont help if you lose it.     then again.   state your feelings too.

[happyroo_bunji]

rabbit, did you just assume there would all this stuff for Sue after the operation, or did someone (your GP?) tell you?