How To Get A Carer?

babybop6379 | 09:52 Wed 03rd Jul 2013 | Body & Soul

9 Answers

Hello all I have a male friend who's mother has motor neurone disease. He visits us often and tells us of her progress and her condition is really deteriorating fast!. As he is a man in his 30s and he has two brothers also around that age (one is in the army!) he doesn't really know how to deal with it all. She definitely needs a carer? how would I help him to find out about it all and what she is entitled to regarding costs and so on? I would help his mum myself as she fell in the shower last week and he had to get her out (he was uncomfortable doing it) but I cannot as I have twin baby girls and a teen going through her gcse's my life is full but I cannot help but think of his poor mum not having any help!!

thanks Celia

Leg Muscle And Tendon Pain.

Carpet

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237SJ

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09:58 Wed 03rd Jul 2013

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237SJ

When my Mum got ill, I didn`t have a clue where to start regarding any help she might need in the future so I went onto the local council`s website and searched under adult care. I emailed them asking where to find information and they phoned the next day. They were so quick and very efficient. We did a telephone assessment and appropriate Occupational Health people got in touch. They provided everything (walking frame which she won`t use LOL) and details of entitlements such as Attendance Allowance etc. They were brilliant. I think your friend`s local council should be the place to start.

babybop6379

Question Author

brilliant thank you for that!! I will let him know as we never knew where to start from either! I will have a look on our local council website and hope I can get them sorted out. :)

Sparkles62

Your local Doctor/medical centre should be able to help you with information.
Or phone your local council and ask to be put through to Adult Social services, again they can help with info.
Does the lady get DLA ? She may be entitled to carers allowance, then she can appoint/employ her own carer. X

237SJ

Another thing - if she`s a pensioner she will almost certainly get the higher rate Attendance Allowance which is £79 per week. The council organised the forms for us but a pain care nurse filled them in as she said she`s so used to completing them, she can do one in 10 minutes.

babybop6379

Question Author

thank you for your answers I'm not sure what she gets to be honest as I'm an outsider and didn't want to be nosey...... she used to be a teacher and quite organised so i'm guessing she may have something in place financially?? please understand I hardly know her just know what my friend is going through with her, he's finding it hard to communicate with her too and being (sorry if seems sexist) a blokes bloke he doesnt have a clue!! and neither does his brothers!! i just want to see her comfortable and being cared for by the right people. :)

pixie373

As well as what has already been suggested, you can look online for local care agencies. Google homecare or domiciliary care and someone can arrange to come out to see the lady and speak to your friend about what's needed. There is no charge or commitment in having them visit and your friend can see which he is most comfortable with. There are agencies that provide live-in care if needed too.
Also, depending on her financial situation, look up Direct Payments, as they are means tested, but might mean she can get payments into her account which cover the majority of her care. With terminal illnesses, she may be entitled to Continuing Care ( speak to Social Services) and her care would be free.
best wishes x