Help for dementia

sassysar

Hi my father in law is caring for mum in law who has dementia.
She is young to have it and up until now has coped ok.
Its getting to the point where he needs some help. Family can step in but before we do 2 hr round trip a week to do washing /housework etc is there any help he can get?
We are aware of things like disability/ carers allowance but just wondered about a payment for someone to do some housework for them.
thanks from a novice!

SuzyWuzy_2

Take a look at direct payments on the net.

Bascially the client pays whoever to look after them. Your MIL would need a GP's referral to Social Services.

Thats all I know. Sorry. I work for SS but not in that area.

sassysar

Thanks suzy ill try to persuade fil to go back to doctors

dmg24

SuzyWuzy wrote: »

Take a look at direct payments on the net.

Bascially the client pays whoever to look after them. Your MIL would need a GP's referral to Social Services.

Thats all I know. Sorry. I work for SS but not in that area.

You don't actually need a referral to SS, though few people at SS seem to realise!

sassysar

dmg24 wrote: »

You don't actually need a referral to SS, though few people at SS seem to realise!

Yes I looked at the local authority website and it appears anyone can request an assesment. I think if you are a carer it makes it easier which fil is. going to see them all this weekend so will take info through

daska

While in theory you can self refer you may well find that you get the assessment completed more quickly if you go through your GP. My GP had pointed out that I could self-refer and I had rung several times but didn't get a call back until I requested my GP back me up. I think SS regard a GP referral as being more urgent.

chickywiggle

hi

no reason why you shouldn't self refer but i know in my LA there is a huge backlog of assessments and a large queue for spcialist dementia services.

which local authortity (la) are you??

have you heard of memory clinics?? from my understanding these aim to prevent dementia clients needing home carers, however they can refer you to ss if needed.

i can only speak from experience in my la but feel free to pm me.

Mojisola

chickywiggle wrote: »

hi
have you heard of memory clinics?? from my understanding these aim to prevent dementia clients needing home carers, however they can refer you to ss if needed.

My Mum attends a Memory Clinic but they've never mentioned anything to do with home care. They assess her cognitive ability levels and change her medication if necessary. From our experience they are there to monitor the progression of the illness.

The OP's father-in-law should ask for a carer's assessment while SS are getting involved.

sassysar

Have thanked you all v usefull.Will try and get fil to go through doctors who has been very understanding all along

Katykat

Sassycar, I'm posting these links to sites that deal with Continuing care funding. Your aunt has Dementia, this is an illness & the NHS should pay for her care, even if she stays at home. Unfortunately, its not easy to be awarded CC funding, as you will see by following these links. However, I will urge you to have a look first, BEFORE you involve Social Services. Once they get their foot in the door, it will start costing money, more money, & yet even more money.

http://freenursingcare.findtalk.net/general-chat-f1/?sid=6ddbb732d7531656d701f775cabccfb3

http://www.gpss.force9.co.uk/nhscare/

Liney_2

I am the main carer for my Nan. She has dementia - it has taken 5 months to get a visit from Social Services due to their backlog. I self-referred but I have asked other departments (GP, Hearing Team) to help push things along with extra referals.
Obviousy my Nan is elderly and in receipt of Attendance Allowance, which will go someway to paying for or contruibuting to the care I have asked for.
Unfortunately my local Social Service team no longer help with cleaning or shopping so I have to find someone else to do that. (SS suggested contacting Age Concern).
I am inclined to find someone privately to help with cleaning.
I am unaware of CC funding but will definately look into it - thanks KatyKat.