Info Gathering ... Attendance Allowance Maybe?

PasturesNew

Hi

Just trying to gather information ahead of when it might be needed.

What happens when you have elderly people who need help because they are unable to get out by themselves, so can't do even basic things like shopping for food? At the moment there's a car and a disability badge, so going out for food shopping and Doctor appointments and dental appointments etc are all possible, but it's likely the driving license will be removed later this year.

I've heard the term Attendance Allowance, might that be relevant? What's that all about then?

Anything means tested?
Not means tested?

What else do you need to know in order to answer?

karenx

Who can get Attendance Allowance?

You may get Attendance Allowance if:

• you have a physical disability (including sensory disability, such as blindness), a mental disability (including learning difficulties), or both
• your disability is severe enough for you to need help caring for yourself or someone to supervise you, for your own or someone else’s safefy
• you are aged 65 or over when you claim

PasturesNew

karenx wrote: »

Who can get Attendance Allowance?

You may get Attendance Allowance if:

• you have a physical disability (including sensory disability, such as blindness), a mental disability (including learning difficulties), or both
• your disability is severe enough for you to need help caring for yourself or someone to supervise you, for your own or someone else’s safefy
• you are aged 65 or over when you claim

OK, well, certainly over 65 (78 and 85).
Physical disability: unable to walk far, hence current blue badge
Severe: can't walk, can't get to the shops, therefore can't buy food. Cooking it is also increasingly dangerous, most "meals" are already virtually reduced to eating/nuking pies and doughnuts.

Or does it not work like that?

It's one thing to copy/paste "the rules", but applying them is a black art.

[Deleted User]

unlike dla there is NO mobilty component to AA,so being unable to walk far wont count i`m afraid
this has more detail:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/disabledpeople/financialsupport/dg_10012425

Oldernotwiser

AA is based on care needs rather than mobility.

On a practical level, does this person have internet access so that someone could show them how to shop online?

Mojisola

The best thing to do is ask for a home visit from the Pensions Service or the Welfare Officers at the local council. They will talk through the problems the couple are having and will know whether they are likely to get AA.

PasturesNew

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

On a practical level, does this person have internet access so that someone could show them how to shop online?

No - and it would not be possible. Surgery on hands has left them limited in being able to use hands, never been on one, would never understand what was going on, has no interest in PCs (would refuse to use one). Also, bad eyesight, getting worse (which is why license might be removed).

welshmoneylover

PasturesNew wrote: »

No - and it would not be possible. Surgery on hands has left them limited in being able to use hands, never been on one, would never understand what was going on, has no interest in PCs (would refuse to use one). Also, bad eyesight, getting worse (which is why license might be removed).

OK, they may not be able to do it for themselves but surely they know someone who can set it up for them? All they would need to do then is re-order the same items weekly.

PasturesNew

Mojisola wrote: »

The best thing to do is ask for a home visit from the Pensions Service or the Welfare Officers at the local council. They will talk through the problems the couple are having and will know whether they are likely to get AA.

That sounds like the best idea. At the moment I am doing "the caring" as such, but I have to move on at some point soon. Then they're on their own. So need to have ideas/options of what to do.

Personally, I've been wanting them to move into sheltered accommodation for the past few months, but they don't think they're old enough for it yet... they see things differently to me I guess. I see the daily confusion, mishaps, stumbles, accidents, problems and just know that the sooner one moves/settles, the better. There's no point waiting until it's too late!

Mojisola

PasturesNew wrote: »

That sounds like the best idea. At the moment I am doing "the caring" as such, but I have to move on at some point soon. Then they're on their own. So need to have ideas/options of what to do.

Personally, I've been wanting them to move into sheltered accommodation for the past few months, but they don't think they're old enough for it yet... they see things differently to me I guess. I see the daily confusion, mishaps, stumbles, accidents, problems and just know that the sooner one moves/settles, the better. There's no point waiting until it's too late!

It sounds as if they could do with a referral to Social Services as well. Before you move on, they should have some other care organised. If they can manage with carers coming into the house, they could stay where they are although there's a lot to be said for moving into sheltered accommodation as a planned thing rather than waiting for an emergency to force it on them.

As regards shopping, my parents have a lady from Age UK who comes every week to take them shopping. They have to pay a contribution but it's well worth it. They get their shopping done but they also have a visit from someone who has a good chat with them and checks that they are alright.

Oldernotwiser

Mojisola wrote: »

It sounds as if they could do with a referral to Social Services as well. .

I agree but I think you'll find you've suggested this to the wrong person!:D