Ensure you and your loved one get the practical help and support you need. Here’s a quick guide to the help you may be entitled to receive.
Getting help and support as a carer is essential, but where do you start, and who can help you? Here are some sources of help you may be entitled to…
An assessment from the local authority
Your loved one is entitled to have an assessment of their care needs by the local authority (council) in their area. Contact the welfare rights adviser at their local council and ask for an assessment. Even if they don’t need much help now, the sooner you start the process, the better, as you may have to wait a while.
The council will conduct an assessment to determine if your loved one is eligible for funding. The person is entitled to receive advice upon initial contact with the council. If the person qualifies, their assets will be considered, and they may be required to contribute towards the cost of care. For more information, visit the government’s website to find your local social services department.
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is provided to those 65 and over who require help with personal care. which helps with extra costs if your parent needs someone to help look after them. There are two levels of financial assistance depending on the care required. For more information, visit the DWP website at https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance
Personal Independence Payment
If the person needing care is under state pension age, the equivalent would be Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which can help with extra living costs if your loved one has a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability or has trouble doing everyday tasks or getting around due to a health condition. PIP has two parts: a daily living part and a mobility part. For more information, click here.
Carer’s Allowance
If you care for your parent for more than 35 hours per week, you could also be eligible for Carer’s Allowance, which pays out around £76 per week. You need to earn £151 or less per week after deductions and not currently enrolled in full-time education. For more details, click here.
NHS Continuing Healthcare
This is a package of care arranged and funded by the NHS that can be in any setting – in the person’s home or a care home. It is available in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, though the details below may be different in Northern Ireland. It is intended for those with long-term complex needs.
If the person is eligible, it is free and not means-tested. The NHS will pay for services from a community nurse or a specialist therapist and associated social care needs such as personal care and domestic tasks.
For more information on NHS Continuing Healthcare in England, visit the NHS website.
If your loved one lives alone and you’re concerned about their dietary intake, Meals On Wheels could be a solution. To find out if you can access Meals On Wheels in your area, click here.
More Guidance
• Age UK offers a free Advice Line at 0800 169 2081. You can also locate a local branch and access additional resources on the Age UK website.
• For further support, call the Carers UK advice line on 0808 808 7777.