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HAS THIS HAPPENED TO SOMEONE YOU KNOW?
- September 2009

By Helen Kanolik - (PFM Associates Ltd)

Address: Sir Peter Thompson House, 25 Market Close, Poole,
Dorset, BH15 1NE
Telephone: 01202 673 456
Fax: 01202 672 122
E-mail: helenkanolik@pfmassociates.co.uk
Visit our Web Site: www.helenkifa.co.uk

A client of mine told me a disturbing story the other day, and I would like to know if this situation is common.

Her husband is in a care home because he has Altzheimer's disease, and is not very aware of what is going on around him.

My client said that since the beginning of this year, she has spent £800 on clothes, toiletries and bits and pieces, which she has taken to him. These things keep going missing, and she is becoming very upset about it.

The clothes all have his name written inside them in indelible marker, but she has on occasion gone to visit and found another man wearing her husband's trousers. The toiletries just disappear.

The staff are generally very good and caring, but quite often there are agency staff there, so continuity is not good. The management seems to be unable to make it possible for residents to keep their belongings.

It makes me wonder if this is a general problem for people in care, and whether or not it is especially bad for patients with Alzheimer's or dementia, who cannot keep track of their own things.

If you have any experience of this, please let me know.

ADVICE ON PAYING FOR CARE

The first stage in the financial advice process is to discuss your requirements and feelings about money, in order to assess which options might be suitable for you. Then it's a case of analysing the current situation, and researching to find the best route for you.

I explain everything to you as we go through this process, and help you to understand the pros and cons of each choice you have to make. Then I put it all in writing and give you time to consider and ask questions. Finally, I help to put everything in place as conveniently as possible - my goal is to help take the burden off your shoulders.

For more information, email me at helenkanolik@pfmassociates.co.uk, or call 01202 673456.

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