Call to consider care for loved ones at home
NHS bosses have urged people to consider offering to care for their own vulnerable relatives if they’re well enough to leave hospital, as services face “unprecedented” demand.
Health, emergency and social care services across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire say the situation is leading to significant delays and a serious impact on hospital admissions.
And it is having a knock-on effect with bed shortages and ambulances queuing to drop off patients, meaning paramedics are taking longer to reach those in need.
In response, in a joint statement, Hywel Dda University Health Board, the Welsh Ambulance Services, Pembrokeshire County Council, Carmarthenshire County Council and Ceredigion County have asked relatives to step in to help.
They have appealed to people to care for loved ones at home where possible, to free up more beds for new patients in need of them.
The statement said: “The difficulty in discharging medically-fit patients from hospital – many of whom have complex personal circumstances and needs – is leading to significant bed shortages, and consequently, lengthy ambulance waits at the ‘front door’ of A&E departments, which mean that paramedics are unable to respond to other 999 calls in the community.
“Social care and health teams are doing everything possible to support people who are well enough to leave hospital but need ongoing care.
“Priority is being given to the most vulnerable, and alternative health and care packages are being offered as a short-term measure.
The difficulty in discharging medically-fit patients from hospital – many of whom have complex personal circumstances and needs – is leading to significant bed shortages, and consequently, lengthy ambulance waits at the ‘front door’ of A&E departments, which mean that paramedics are unable to respond to other 999 calls in the community Hywel Dda University Health Board, the Welsh Ambulance Services, Pembrokeshire County Council, Carmarthenshire County Council and Ceredigion County joint statement
“More carers and health staff are also being recruited to support people in need.”
They argue that spending as little time in hospital as possible is better for patients, protecting them from hospital-acquired infections, falls and a loss of independence, and means that NHS beds can be freed up for others with urgent care needs.
They added: “If you have a relative or loved one in hospital who is well enough to go home, but is waiting to be discharged with homecare and community health support, you may be able to help them to get home more quickly if you and your family are in a position to support them at home.
“If your relative is waiting for a formal package of care, you may be able to offer support and care on a shortterm, temporary arrangement or you might want to consider whether your loved one could be supported in a temporary resi- dential or nursing care setting. If you feel that this is an option that you could consider, please speak to the ward manager or your social worker to explore further.”
The warnings follow concerns from social services directors in Wales about a national shortage of carers which was impacting on their ability to look after the most vulnerable in society. A reduction in European Union workers after Brexit, an increase in vulnerability and frailty among older people, a fatigued workforce, and more demand for domiciliary
care due to a reluctance by more elderly people to go into residential care homes were blamed for the issues.
Last month the Welsh Government announced an extra £48m for social care in Wales. The money was said to be in place to help local authorities deal with some of the challenges caused by the pandemic.