Wise words, and very well put, Susan. I went throught the same worries and concerns with my own mother, Nutty, and I know what it's like to have this great mountain of responsibility and of unknown future ahead. I would echo what Giok said: get in touch with Social Services straight away, long before there is any question of your mother being discharged or moved from hospital. They cannot send anyone back to their home without doing a full assessment, which includes visiting and studying their home situation. I can only speak from my own experience here, but in our area Social Services operate an intensive "home from hospital" service, which decreases as the person recuperates and becomes more able. It may be hard to tell at this point just what your mother is going to be able and unable to do. Believe me, no-one is going to suddenly send her off home in an ambulance (I had nightmares of that happening).

Easier said than done, I know, but try not to worry about as yet unknown outcomes. Voice your concerns (firmly and frequently) to the hospital staff and to social services. Step by step, the picture *will* become clearer.

Thinking of you and your mum,
With love,
- jeanie (PM me any time you want to talk or let off steam) xx