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[CLKD]

Care needs to be considered from a safety point of view for the carer too.  It's OK having CRB checks etc. but one needs to build up a working relationship with the person being cared for.  Maybe someone going in on a regular basis for a chat initially then they can offer to help - we have to remember that professionals will take the 'word' of the client and not the family so if Dad decides he doesn't want his socks on, they will abide by his choice. 

I wonder who'll be here to care for me when the time arrives .............. tall dark and handsome will do ;-)

[Margarett]

Attendance Allowance is paid, primarily for those who can't do everything for themselves. It is not specific what those needs are. The conditions that it is paid for eg partial paralysis after a stroke, are specific. The DSS has a list of those, and you have to give permission for medical records to be accessed if they are not sure. That didn't happen in my Mum's case. But I expect it would have if we'd asked for the hgigher rate to be paid, for instance if she was needing constant care/ supervision through the night( she doesn't need this.)

[CLKD]

Is attendance allowance not aged related? or is that another allowance I"m thinking of?

[Margarett]

I think Attendance Allowance is available at any age, if the person has certain needs. It's not means tested either.

[Taz2]

It seems that you have to be over 65 http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Disabledpeople/DG_10012438

Taz x

[Bette]

Well, we've taken the plunge and cancelled the care package for now. I talked it all through with Mum and she's coping well and really likes the idea of being "left alone a bit" for now, which I can understand. She's promised to tell me if she starts to struggle with anything and I believe her. The hairdresser comes once a week, as does the cleaner (both of whom Mum has known for years) and the chiropodist every few weeks. The district nurse is still coming to check the dressing on her back and the "blood" nurse calls to take the blood test check her Warfarin levels. I fill her tablet dispenser once a fortnight and order prescriptions which are then delivered by the local chemist. I'm still doing her shopping (and providing frozen meals for her to heat up) but she's looking forward to walking over to the Co-op soon; I'm planning to take her over there next week to see how she copes.
The short-term memory thing is a nuisance but not more than that really. Feel free to remind me that I said that when it's driving me up the wall! 
Bette x

[honeybun]

I am so pleased that your mum has improved so much....as I have said before she sounds a lovely lady.

It will be good to give her her independence. I think its very unusual to be able to cut back on care at this age which makes it all the more remarkable.

I know before long we will have to increase my mothers care. I have just talked her through turning on the oven. She has had the cooker for about ten years    Her memory and her mobility are getting worse by the day.

Honeyb
x

 

[CLKD]

Well done Bette.  Glad to hear that your Mum is improving.

It's a worry when our wrinklies can't remember how to do the 'simplest' things and electricity and/or smoking can cause problems without them meaning to do so 

[san]

Bette I think your mum can still have Attendace Allowance due to having a cleaner, you cooking and freezing meals and the other little things she needs.

Really good news that she's improved and you sound much more relaxed. Just goes to show what a short break away can do 

[Margarett]

Taz, you are right . Attendance Allowance is now for people over 65. It changed fairly recently, and other allowances are now available for people under 65 who need care, supervision and help.

[grandy]

You don't have to use professional carers when you receive attendance allowance. Once you qualify for it you do not have to specify where the money is going. Can even be used for things like taxis etc where mobility is a problem.

[purplenanny]

I applied for attendace allowance (lower rate)for my hubby (74) when he came out of hospital. The form was quite easy and I had to give permission for GP report if necessary. I don't think they requested one as the decision was very quick.

I subsequently applied for Carers Allowance which I believe can only be granted if the person being cared for has Attendance Allowance.

It was surprising to me that nobody suggested claiming (CPN, etc), I had to find out for myself which I did throught the government website. Also downloaded form from there.

Bette - I am pleased your Mum is doing so well, it must be a relief for you after being so worried about her. I would apply as it will help with everything she needs. Every little helps, according to Tesco!

PN x x

[Eddie]

Bette, You must be so pleased with your mums progress, it all sounds so positive.

I am confused about these allowances, My mum gets dla at middle rate, and i get carers allowance.

I thought mobility stops at 65, carers is paid to a carer (me), or attendance allowance is paid to the person needing care and already receiving DLA at middle rate or above if there is not a designated carer and can be used to pay for anything.

As for services for the elderly through social service, the care part is provided free of charge including heating meals, washing, dressing, prompting medicine. Not included is shopping, washing clothes, cooking and cleaning.??
 

Eddie. x

[Bette]

As for services for the elderly through social service, the care part is provided free of charge including heating meals, washing, dressing, prompting medicine. I think that's only the case in Scotland, Eddie.
I'll see how things go but if she doesn't need any more help for now, I probably won't bother to apply for the allowance; we can always do that later if she ends up paying out for more care.
Bette x

[Eddie]

        
Eddie. x