The wife of a sick Wishaw man who was given an accidental drug overdose by a home care worker says she is now scared she’ll find him dead.
Norma McLeish is the main carer for 62-year-old husband Richard, who has pancreatitis and diabetes.
Richard also has learning difficulties and uses a wheelchair as he is unable to walk or stand for any significant time without falling over.
Norma, 59, has mental health problems and says these have been exacerbated by constant changes in the make-up of the care team assigned to help her husband with daily routines at their home in Ladysmith Street, Craigneuk.
Norma, who has diabetes and arthritis, admits she is struggling to cope. And recent traumatic events have left her unable to sleep for fear her husband is going to die.
Norma said: “They overdosed him on Easter Monday and the ambulance and paramedic came, then the following week a new carer came in and instead of giving him his day medication, gave him his night medication again at six in the morning.
“It was bad enough them making a mistake once. I’m so scared I’m going to go into the room and find him dead.
“The carers are meant to be here to help me out but they’ve just added more stress and more stress.”
Norma had been receiving personal help for the last few years following a family tragedy, but that stopped as Richard’s state of health declined.
“I lost my son Richard four years ago through suicide. He was only 24. I was getting counselling from Chris’s House and that helped but I can no longer get up there to go to the meetings as there’s no one to look after my husband.
“I’ve already buried my son I don’t want to bury my husband yet.”
Richard also has two appointments at University Hospital Hairmyres in July to investigate problems with swallowing which are preventing him from eating and drinking properly.
Norma added: “I’ve asked social work for respite help but they just pass me on to someone else and nothing gets done. My doctor says I need to shout louder because that’s the only way they are going to do something.”
Norma believes that continuity of staff from HRM Home Care, the company contracted by North Lanarkshire Council to provide Richard’s care, isn’t helping matters.
She said: “There just seem to constantly be new ones all the time. They come in four times a day but they don’t take the time to read what they are supposed to be doing. Some of them are just in and out and don’t do what they are meant to.
“My fear is these kind of things could be happening to other people that live on their own, or don’t have any family or anyone to speak up for them.”
A spokesperson for HRM Homecare Services said: “HRM Homecare takes the health and safety of all service users very seriously. An investigation is ongoing to find out what happened in Mr McLeish’s case. The team at HRM Homecare are sorry to hear about his experiences and have been in touch with his family directly to discuss their concerns.
“Following our investigation we will be working with North Lanarkshire Council to undertake a full review of our future processes and practices to ensure this never happens again.”
A spokesperson for North Lanarkshire Council said: “We are aware of concerns highlighted by Mr McLeish, and we are working closely with the home care provider.
"Mr McLeish’s welfare is our primary concern, and we will take all necessary action to make sure both he and his family receive all the support they need. Our absolute priority is ensuring Mr McLeish receives the best support he requires.”
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