Discussion Boards I care for...
direct payments for carers????
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By coby6602
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Mon 28 Apr 2008 13:05
Hi all, Can any1 give me any info or advice on direct payments for carers and does any1 out there get this? I was told by a friend that i might be able to get it but when i rang to ask for a carers assessment i was told that there was no financial support available to help me care for my dad as he will not accept strange people going in to care for him . He is fiercely proud and will only accept help from me with his personal care etc. Social services say that he is eligible for support ( ie; cleaning & medicating etc)but that they cannot force him to accept it so there is nothing they can do to help me. They said they can go and talk to him and tell him how much i am struggling to cope but how can i let them do that to my poor dad. He is 89 and would be devastated if he thought he was a burden to me (and he certainly isn't). I just want to make it easier for me to care for him not pass the buck to strangers. I would be very grateful to any1 who could give me any advice. I'm goin in hospital for an op tomoz but will check to see if any1 can help in a couple of days. Thanx in advance anyway.
Kath ( coby is my beautiful grandson)
Replies
- By gj
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Re: direct payments for carers????
Mon 28 Apr 2008 14:38hi Kath, do not take my word for granted but thought i might help with a couple of ideas as i am a social work student. you are entitled to a carers assessment in your own rights even if your dad does not with an assessment for community care services under carers (equal opportunities) act 1995. You could be entitled to carers allowance if you care for your dad for more than 35 hours a week and he is on disability living allowance amongst many other conditions. With regards to direct payments i think it is only if you require suich services as councelling. I could be wrong but hope it helps a bit. I would get in touch with your local social services and hopefully they can direct you better.
- By marie66
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Re: direct payments for carers????
Mon 28 Apr 2008 22:31Hi, we had a similar situation, my husband could not accept 'strangers' to help - he has complex needs.
Care restrictions re:employing a family member are dependant on where you live, the system is a bit tighter in Scotland than the rest of the UK!
Get advice from a Carer Centre!!We got a Direct Payment for care!
Both my husband and myself had assessments done and they offered up a care package bases on his care needs.We explained he would not tolerate external care workers and we would employ our daughter via the D.P. system.
Our D.P. began in March 2007 and it works beautifully.
I get much needed sleep and some time to myself! our daughter stays over 2 nights a week to look after OH.I honestly would not be without it now!
Help is out there, you just got to keep pushing!
I hope this is helpful,
mariex