Mrs A rang WHiA after being given the telephone number by Age Concern. She had rung them for assistance to fill out an Attendance Allowance Form for her husband who is 15 years older than her and suffers from Dementia and additional health issues. Mrs A said that they were struggling financially and I advised that I could assist them to complete the form at home as I have extensive disability benefits knowledge.
Mr A doesn’t go out at all at the moment and is displaying increasingly agitated behaviour. He won’t wash or self-care and is totally reliant on his wife and his 2 sons who take turns to visit daily. Mrs A is suffering from exhaustion and stress and feels like she is heading for a breakdown as she is also the main support for her brother who is currently hospitalised in Whiston with severe Dementia.
We attended 1 week later and completed Attendance Allowance Forms for Mr A.
We then suggested other adaptations that could assist Mr A around the home such as 2nd stair rail as he was struggling to get up the stairs.
Mrs A was advised to contact Social services as it was apparent that she needed extra support and currently wasn’t receiving any.
Mrs A was offered assistance with Carers Allowance and Pension Credit applications if Mr A receives the award of Attendance Allowance.
Mr A now receives benefits support which has resulted in the Attendance Allowance being awarded at the higher rate £83.10 and back dated to 30/6/18 with a lump sum payment into the bank of £599.20.
Mrs A is now eligible to claim Carers Allowance which may further increase the household income.
Social Services went straight out as they were unaware of Mr & Mrs A’s situation and have offered support through the Carers Centre for Mrs A and additional support for Mr A.
Mrs A says that she now feels better knowing that financially things are less of a struggle and that more support has been put in place and this is helping her mental health.
