Applying for carers allowance

Kittykoo

Hi I am thinking of applying for Carers Allowance as I look after my mother who is 83. We are actually in the process of building onto her house and she will be in her own apartment joined on to the house. We are doing this to give her extra security in her old age as she does be nervous on her own at night. Someone suggested I should apply for Carers Allowance but I'm not too sure if I would be eligible. I was under the impression that the person being cared for had to have more needs than my mother would have. I cook her meals,clean her home,assist her on walks because her mobility is declining and she has taken a few stumbles but does not want to use any walking aid when she goes for her walks. I bring her to any hospital/doctor appointments. I do her shopping. I am her main source of company and would be in and out to her numerous times a day as at the moment I only live a couple of minutes away. These are all things I have been doing without a second thought as she's my mother and it's a natural thing to look after her. Can anyone advise me if this level of care would make me eligible or would the person being cared for have to be far more dependent?

Loveinapril

Have a look at the form and see what you think. A medical professional has to submit a completed form too, so imagine what someone would fill out in relation to your mother. I had a family member apply recently for someone who has severe health issues that need constant monitoring on top of the fact that they suffered a stroke but they were refused the allowance as the needs were not high enough. The form should give you an insight into what type of care is expected.

Kittykoo

Wow with all those issues and still refused,that's crazy. I doubt it very much so that I would get it. The lady who advised me to apply for it said she knew of someone getting it for their father and he was quite independent. I think maybe it was easier to be successful in your application a few years ago but now I think they are quite strict with it. Thanks for your reply,I will get an application form and have a look through it.

Loveinapril

My mother got it for my grandmother but she couldn't leave the house, couldn't cook etc. She had cognition issues and needed help with personal care and toileting too. She also lived with her, so I imagine that showed her increased dependency. It was also about 15 years ago. Although the family member who recently applied lives with the person they care for but it didn't make any odds. The hospital consultant who filled out the form didn't feel the person had high enough needs in relation to personal care, communication issues, mental health etc. The form also includes pieces about eating and drinking issues, dressing wounds etc. so it is quite indepth.

Kittykoo

Seems very unfair to your relative, I hope they appeal that decision ,I've read of others being successful after their appeal. I must ring my doctor and ask their advice. Thanks again

hblock21

But its not only based on the health of the individual.
Its means tested.