[phone rings]
Hello, Katherine McAllister.
Hello, this is Mary MacDonald from social work services at Argyle County Hospital. Has the hospital been in touch with you about Mrs. McAllister?
Yes, yes they phoned very early this morning. I am sorry; it's just, it was quite a shock.
I know, I know. You must have been worried.
Yes, we all were. It just, well, it sounds terrible, but I always thought that my dad would be the one to end up getting admitted to hospital. The darn thing is we were all worried about who would come for her if anything happened to him. I mean, the amount he drinks, I am surprised he is still functioning. But my mum, it just doesn't make sense.
I haven't heard the latest update from the ward. How is she doing?
They never really say, do they? They are still waiting for the results of the tests, but I think they are trying to prepare us for the worst. I'll know more after I visit tomorrow. I can't believe it.
I can quite understand. I am sorry to hear that. It's actually your dad I am phoning about. The paramedics have attended you mum last night, said they were quite worried about him. He seemed confused, and of course in the circumstances that's to be expected.
Oh. You mean he was dead drunk? That's just his normal state in the evening. It's just hellish for my mum, and he is not getting any younger either. His arthritis just gets worse and worse. Sometimes he's in so much pain, he can hardly move. I know it is difficult for him. I know that. But it's my mum I am worried about. It makes me so angry. It's so unfair. What kind of life has she had?
I understand, this must be very upsetting for you. But I wonder if we can discuss how we might be able to help both your parents. Going back to your dad, from what you say, it sounds like he'll need quite a lot of help if is to remain at home safely. I understand that a neighbor, Mrs. Burns, as she popped in briefly this morning to check on him, but she did make it clear that she wasn't prepared to do any more.
Exactly. And it's not just Mrs. Burns who thinks that. I know this is probably an awful thing to say, but he is a difficult, twisted old man. None of us will put up with him. I don't know how many times we have invited mum down to stay with us. But she wouldn't go anywhere without him. It's embarrassing to have to admit it, but I just couldn't bare the thought of him being here in my home. He made our childhood such a misery. I am going up to the hospital tomorrow to see mum. I will be staying with my brother in Ardcalloch. But I wouldn't be calling on dad.
It sounds like living with your dad was very difficult for you as a child. And I can understand why you feel the way you do.
Thanks for talking to me. You have been very helpful. It's part of my job to make sure your dad gets whatever help he needs. Oh, and one other thing. The paramedics thought your dad was quite forgetful. He wanted to know whether this was just to do with the drink, or whether there might be some other problem?
Well, my mum was used to say it was just his age. But I was beginning to wonder. He has been getting a little confused. But as far as I know he hasn't seen a doctor about it. That might be best for him and for everyone else, if he could be placed in a home right now. But I know he won't hear of it.
Thanks very much for all your help. I may contact your dad later today and see how we can best support him. As I'm your mum's social worker too, it would be good to meet you when you come up, so we can talk a wee a bit more about longer term plans for both of your parents.
Thank you. It's good to know there is someone there to help him. Mum is devoted to him. It will make a huge difference to her to know that he is being looked after. I find it hard to think about the future just now. I still can't take all in.
I quite understand. So just give me a call when you come up.
Yes, I will. And thanks again.
That's OK. Good bye.
Goodbye.