When A&E call you at 2am in the morning to ask you to remove your caree from their charge, what do you do next?
Jane was no more than former next of kin to her schizophrenic ex-husband when she was called out in this way. And no-one would hand over the case notes or make suggestions as to where she could get help.
So, one of the most important things you can do to preserve your sanity is ask your caree in a calm moment to sign a letter to the GP – and any other interested party – giving them permission to discuss your caree’s case with you.
This avoids a situation where you are kept out of the loop of discussion with regard to case plan and management. To have a say in this is crucial – as you could have responsibility for your caree 24/7 and are therefore intimately related with and affected by what goes on.
In Jane’s case, there was nothing she could do. She had to take her ex-husband home – even though he was threatening her with jealous violence at the time.
Light For Shadows 