AA form and Social Services - can they help?

princessdon

I have been looking to apply for AA for my GM as due to a change of job for me in September it means she needs carers and this will leave her financially struggling.

She lives in a care home (ie sheltered accomodation) where they have 24 hour manager and workers and the duty manager has suggested to her that she gets social services out.

They are due to come out next week when we are back in the UK.

My question is

a) How can they help - can they help with the forms or will this be down to my limited knowledge?
b) They said they can help with care arrangements - what do they do? The home has a team of carers there - we just assumed she would pay them.
c) They are also sending an OT - any idea why?

I am very grateful they are sending someone so quicky but just want to know what type of questions to ask, what info to have to hand and basically any advice on how I can utilise this offer of help.

nannytone_2

they will do an assessment of her care needs and then ( dpending on how the funding is in your area) put a care package in place.

this can be anything from weekly visits to several times a day depending on need.

claim AA seperately as well.

depending on how much money your grandmother has, she may be expected to contribute towards the cost of care.

**Patty**

As far as i'm aware, it's not within SS remit to help with claiming AA (but my experience is confined to under 18's so i may be wrong)

However, AgeUK should definately be able to help with that aspect & will do a home visit so as you can be there to help your Nan with the form

princessdon

Thanks Nannytone - she has money. She is "just above the pension credit threshold" due to my GF pension and has a home that is currently rented (we are hoping to sell once the lease ends and we have time to "modernise" as it's outdated so didn't sell originally.

It's just that the carers fees are £12 per hour so if we can claim something towards them it will help.

Can they help sort out the carers? Can they help with how much care she needs etc.

What will the OT do? The home has grab rails, a lift, she has paid for an electronic bed and sofas/chairs etc so I can't see what benefit they can bring as the home is ideal for her (hence us moving her there). Even the kitchen is able to be raised/lowered for wheelchair users so there isn't a lot left to help with. I'm confused as to why they will send someone.

Can they advise on AA forms (they seem complicated) or do I do this alone and provide evidence from her 4 consultants and her GP?

princessdon

**Patty** wrote: »

As far as i'm aware, it's not within SS remit to help with claiming AA (but my experience is confined to under 18's so i may be wrong)

However, AgeUK should definately be able to help with that aspect & will do a home visit so as you can be there to help your Nan with the form

Thank you - I will contact them. I would feel more confident with someone to help with the form if honest.

nannytone_2

my father in law has a private pension and doesnt get pension credit either, but still doesnt have to pay towards his 3 times a day carers.

but as i said , every area controls its budgets differently

princessdon

nannytone wrote: »

my father in law has a private pension and doesnt get pension credit either, but still doesnt have to pay towards his 3 times a day carers.

but as i said , every area controls its budgets differently

Many thanks - we do expect to pay (but this will hopefully be cushioned by some contribution by AA).

She will need a minimum of 2 x a day on the days I work. I am still able to do on my days off. But I can't go down before work or go in my lunch hour etc. I can do the evening meal and get ready for bed, but ideally if someone could put her to bed it would be better as when my OH is away I get her ready for bed earlier than she may like sometimes.

PippaGirl_2

Some LA care managers help with finance forms and some have dedicated finance and benefits teams who come out and assess income/savings and assist in claiming benefits separately. Either way you should get help with them.

It is a good thing having a care manager, much easier to upgrade or change a package of care later when necessary.

dandelionclock30

The CAB could help you with the forms as could Welfare rights if you have them in your area. The form takes at least a couple of hours and is quite hard.
You can also ask Social Services if they will help you fill it in.They may do or may signpost you to the above. I would advise getting some help with to get the best outcome for your grandma.

azzabazza

I have just completed the form to claim AA for my mother. The form gives an option for the form to be completed on behalf of the person claiming. This does not necessarily have to be a member of the family. If you google Attendance Allowance you will then be able to download the form and see what information is required. I might say it took me a whole day to complete the form with several days collating all the information required!

There are helpline phone numbers given should you require help completing the form.

It was SS who suggested I claim on my mother's behalf.

princessdon

Well the SW upped her care and I haven't been able to get anyone to help with the form so did it myself.

Didn't give much room for explanation so typed a few pages and gave the names of her 8 consultatants plus other medical people to contact.

Weird how they only give a few lines when people have more medicals involved.

Anyway took under an hour - so I'm not hopeful but will see

thanks all