A Liverpool family is facing challenges within the care system, advocating for increased support for their mother, Marie Metcalf, 57. Her daughter, Rebecca Metcalf, 28, expressed concerns about her mother's safety after a series of strokes left her with significant mobility and cognitive issues. The family stated they were advised to consider a helmet for Marie after detailing her frequent falls and associated bruising.
Key Takeaways
- Marie Metcalf, 57, suffered four strokes in two years, leading to severe mobility and cognitive impairment.
- Her daughter, Rebecca Metcalf, 28, is advocating for a more comprehensive care package.
- The family reported being advised to use a helmet for Marie due to frequent falls and bruising.
- Funding for Marie's one-to-one support, provided by NHS Cheshire and Merseyside ICB, has been reduced.
- The family believes the current care package leaves 13 hours daily without adequate one-to-one supervision.
Marie Metcalf's Health Challenges
Marie Metcalf's health declined significantly after experiencing four strokes over a two-year period. These medical events have severely affected her mobility and cognitive functions. Until June of this year, Marie was able to live independently. However, the cumulative impact of the strokes has made her dependent on constant support.
Rebecca Metcalf highlighted the unexpected nature of her mother's rapid decline. "We just didn't expect any of this to happen," she stated. The family's focus shifted to securing appropriate residential care for Marie, understanding she could no longer manage on her own.
Fact: Impact of Stroke
- Strokes are a leading cause of long-term disability in adults.
- Common effects include difficulties with movement, speech, and cognitive function.
- Recovery can be a long process, often requiring extensive rehabilitation and ongoing support.
Navigating the Care System
While Marie was an inpatient at Broadgreen Hospital, Rebecca and her family began the search for a suitable residential care home. Rebecca collaborated with the hospital's social work team to identify appropriate accommodation options. The process involved navigating various funding issues.
Eventually, Marie was placed at Finch Manor care home in Knotty Ash. Rebecca described this move as having mixed feelings. She praised the quality of care provided by the facility itself. However, a significant concern arose from the funding structure for Marie's one-to-one support.
"The ICB promised Finch Manor 1:1 provision, but it’s now gone from 20 hours now to only 11 hours. They told us at 5pm on a Friday night and it was with immediate effect."
Funding and Support Reductions
The one-to-one support for Marie is funded by NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board (ICB) through a private agency. This arrangement is separate from the care home accommodation, which is covered by the local authority. Rebecca described this two-tiered funding system as impersonal and bureaucratic.
Initially, the ICB had committed to 20 hours of one-to-one support. However, this provision was reduced to 11 hours. The family was informed of this change with immediate effect on a Friday evening. This reduction created a significant gap in Marie's daily care.
Concerns Over Safety and Falls
The primary concern for Rebecca and her family is Marie's safety, particularly due to her frequent falls. They argue that the reduced one-to-one support leaves Marie vulnerable. Rebecca recounted instances where her mother has fallen out of bed and been left alone.
Rebecca directly questioned the ICB's decision to reduce support. "How can they say my mum doesn’t need 1:1 care? They know she falls, she falls out of bed and is left alone stranded," she stated. The family fears the potential for serious injury, including a brain bleed, given Marie's frail condition and medical history.
Understanding Integrated Care Boards (ICBs)
- ICBs are statutory organizations responsible for planning and delivering health and care services in their local areas.
- They bring together NHS providers, local authorities, and other partners.
- Their role includes managing budgets and ensuring services meet the needs of their population.
The Suggestion of a Helmet
During discussions with the ICB, Rebecca raised the serious risk of head injury from falls. She explained that a bump to the head could be catastrophic for her mother. In response to these concerns, Rebecca said the family was told to consider a specific "strategy."
"I told them we can’t accept that level of risk, but we were told to just put a helmet on her head," Rebecca explained. She expressed disbelief at this suggestion, questioning whether her mother should be expected to live with a helmet for the rest of her life. The family viewed this as an inadequate solution to a critical care need.
Rebecca presented the ICB with photographs documenting her mother's extensive bruising from falls. She used these images to support her argument that Marie requires continuous one-to-one care. "They’ve admitted as much by providing some hours so why not the hours she actually needs? It’s not like she can plan the times of her falls," Rebecca emphasized.
The Unfilled Gap in Care
According to Marie's family, the current care package leaves approximately 13 hours per day without the necessary one-to-one support. While they are satisfied with the general nursing and hourly checks provided by Finch Manor, the care home itself reportedly agreed that Marie needed Elderly Mentally Infirm (EMI) care, which typically implies a higher level of supervision and specialized support.
This gap means that for a significant portion of each day, Marie is without dedicated supervision, increasing her risk of falls and other complications. The family believes this situation places an undue burden on them to ensure Marie's safety.
- Daily Care Gap: 13 hours without dedicated one-to-one support.
- Care Home's View: Finch Manor reportedly agrees Marie needs EMI care.
- Family's Role: They feel compelled to fill the gaps in supervision to prevent harm.
Personal Impact on Rebecca
Rebecca Metcalf's life has been profoundly affected by her mother's care needs. She balances her advocacy for Marie with raising two children who have autism. This often means sacrificing precious time with her own children to address her mother's care issues.
Rebecca shared the deep bond she has with her mother. "Mum has been my best friend," she stated. She also spoke about her own past experiences, including suffering from PTSD, which adds to the challenges she currently faces. Despite these personal struggles, Rebecca feels a strong obligation to be there for her mother, just as Marie was always there for her.
Broader Implications for Social Care
Marie's situation highlights the increasing pressures on both the NHS and social care systems. Rebecca chose to share her family's story to draw attention to the real-world impact of policy decisions and funding constraints. She hopes her public account will not only help secure the comprehensive care her mother requires but also contribute to a wider discussion about the state of health and social care in the UK.
"This shouldn’t be happening to anyone. No one should have to fight so hard just to keep their loved one safe," Rebecca asserted. Her experience underscores the need for a system that provides adequate and consistent support for vulnerable individuals.
Response from NHS Cheshire and Merseyside
A spokesperson for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside confirmed they are in contact with Ms. Metcalf's family. They stated that discussions are ongoing regarding her care.
"While we’re unable to comment on individual cases due to our commitment to patient confidentiality, all patients are regularly reviewed by clinicians to ensure they are receiving the most appropriate care for their needs," the spokesperson added. This statement reaffirms their policy on patient privacy while indicating that patient care is subject to ongoing clinical assessment.
The family continues to seek a resolution that ensures Marie receives the full 24-hour support they believe she needs to remain safe and well cared for.