Carer needed

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My 88 year old grandmother has been diagnosed with Lymphoma. She is having 6 rounds of chemotherapy, every 3 weeks. She had her first chemo session 2.5 weeks ago and is due her next one this Friday. However, she is not coping. She lives on her own and is extremely weak and unable to look after herself. She is struggling to walk, shower, get to the toilet, make food etc. She needs a stairlift as she lives on a second floor council flat, we have contacted the council but they said there is a 12 week waiting list for an assessment to get a stair lift. Where can we go for help? She needs a carer and a stair lift so we can get her to her treatment. Thanks 

  • Hello  

    I am sorry to hear that your grandmother has been diagnosed with lymphoma and is struggling to cope. It sounds like managing day to day has become incredibly difficult. It’s such a shame to hear that you have been told there is a 12 week wait when you feel support is needed now. I am really glad you have got in touch.

    Does your grandmother’s healthcare team such as their Cancer Nurse Specialist or Chemotherapy unit know that she has begun to feel so weak and struggle to cope may I ask? It’s important to let them know Mcnicks so they can be supporting as much as possible, especially with you feeling it could impact her being able to get to treatment. Your Grandmother’s healthcare team, including the GP can usually support in referrals for helping access care, and support equipment at home, so do speak to them about the situation.

    May I check Mcnicks, was it the Adult Social Care team you spoke to at the local council or the housing team? The reason I ask is that the Adult Social Care team are the team who can look at what care. equipment or modifications may be needed to help your Grandmother cope at home. You can find their contact details here. They will also have a Safeguarding Team for urgent support if you feel as though your Grandmother’s current living situation is putting her at risk at all it’s important to let them know.

    Carer’s UK have additional information on their website about arranging care and support for someone which may be helpful just now Mcnicks. Living Made Easy also have an advice line, and lots of information on their website about daily living equipment to support people in staying independent at home if that would be helpful.

    It sounds like the situation is feeling really worrying for you Mcnicks. Do you have plenty of support just now may I check? I really hope what we have discussed above helps your Grandmother access the support she needs just now. But please do know that we are here on the Macmillan Support Line to support yourself, your Grandmother and any other loved ones as much as needed going forward: be that for further support with questions like today, for emotional support and a listening ear, to help understand lymphoma, chemotherapy or any other general medical questions you may have, as well as being able to explore financial support and advise on rights at work if needed. We are here every day on the Support Line 8am-8pm on: 0808 808 00 00 or via  web chat so do please keep in touch as much as you need.

    Our Friends and Family, and Carer’s Online Community Forums are also available if connecting with others supporting a loved one who has been diagnosed with cancer would be helpful.

    Take care,

    Jenna 


    Information and Support Adviser


    Remember you can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days
    a week, 8am-8pm) or by email