Advice for my elderly dad

sistafromanothermista

Hi everyone, I’ve tried the benefits calculator but surely this can’t be right......
Here’s the facts...
Dad is 80 and lives alone
Has numerous health problems such as arthritis but is not entitled to disability benefit as he isn’t ill enough
He owns his own home
He has 26k in savings

His house is in a seriously bad state of repair with no working toilet and he is now struggling to use the bath(ideally needs a walk in shower) no central heating and uses a small plug in electric heater.
I have tried to organise plumbers and builders but they’re either not interested or have said the job is far too big for them.
Any suggestions greatly received!

MovingForwards

Attendance Allowance is the one for the more mature people.

Have a look to see if the local council still do grants, it took my mom years but eventually she got one.

Sounds like he would benefit from a wet room, that would get decent builders to quote and means he just walks into the bathroom and it all drains off after a shower.

Whereabouts does he live? City or county as people may be able to offer more specific advice.

Rubyroobs

Can he use some of his 26k of savings ?? I'm just asking that as you worded the question as if you are looking for benefits advice ?There must be some local tradespeople who can help, have you tried local face book sites etc ?
As far as benefits go then he needs to look again at Attendance allowance if he is struggling with everyday things like medications, washing, dressing or needs supervision. It sounds like he does have care needs, if so then get some help with the form from somewhere like Age UK or similar and send in plenty of medical evidence to support the issues he has. His local council may have disability grants he could apply for but I imagine they might be means tested. Attendance allowance is non means tested so his savings wont affect him being able to claim it.

cantcope

if he has £26k in savings surely that's enough to sort out a wet room, some heating and get the toilet working. Look for a building contractor that covers everything. A job should never be too big.

Robin9

How receptive would your Dad be to moving to sheltered accommodation ?

sistafromanothermista

cantcope wrote: »

if he has £26k in savings surely that's enough to sort out a wet room, some heating and get the toilet working. Look for a building contractor that covers everything. A job should never be too big.

It certainly would if we could find someone to do it 😂 my dad, being 80, is very reluctant to ‘spend’ the savings he has in case he needs them to pay for his care needs at any time. He doesn’t feel he needs to spend money on the things I’ve mentioned as he’s been living like that for ages (his words) my sister and I have just come to realise how neglected the house is as he was recently admitted to hospital and he is now with me due to the state of the house.

My sister used to be a care worker and many patients she went to had help in the form of disability or other benefits so I was just seeing if that would be a possibility in his situation as I’ve never claimed benefits I’m not sure how it all works!

sistafromanothermista

Robin9 wrote: »

How receptive would your Dad be to moving to sheltered accommodation ?

Believe me I’ve tried to convince him. He doesn’t want to move out of ‘his home’ even though I’m sure he must know deep down it’s the best thing. Obviously I can’t force him as much as I’d really like to.

sistafromanothermista

MovingForwards wrote: »

Attendance Allowance is the one for the more mature people.

Have a look to see if the local council still do grants, it took my mom years but eventually she got one.

Sounds like he would benefit from a wet room, that would get decent builders to quote and means he just walks into the bathroom and it all drains off after a shower.

Whereabouts does he live? City or county as people may be able to offer more specific advice.

I think I’ve looked into attendance allowance before and for some reason he wasn’t entitled to it.
He lives in Reading Berks.

Rubyroobs

sistafromanothermista wrote: »

I think I’ve looked into attendance allowance before and for some reason he wasn’t entitled to it.
He lives in Reading Berks.

I would try again for AA, get help with the form and try again. It sounds like he would qualify.

MovingForwards

The end of the day your dad needs a working bathroom and that must be sorted out.

He will still have the value of the house, plus any savings, for his care if that time comes.

If he doesn't get the bathroom fixed the property may not be mortgageable if the time comes and that will result in a lower value on the property and less money released from it; could mean he would have to move to a different care home after settling in, making friends and getting to know the staff and the new care home may not be as nice either.

Also, try applying for AA again.

I would also seriously have a convenient with him about getting a lasting power of attorney sorted out, while he is still able to give consent as that will be required if he moves into a home.

Wishing you luck as I know how stubborn mature people can be!

NeilCr

When you say he is not entitled to disability benefit because he isn't ill enough what do you mean?

One of the problems with Attendance Allowance is the lack of a mobility component. I have seen a number of clients who had mobility problems (needed taxis to get out and about etc etc) but were okay in caring for themselves. I can remember one gentleman saying to me when I explained the criteria "stop right there - I am not applying for it as I can look after myself". In his case he was right.

It's hard to tell from what you have said what his chances are. It can be more difficult to get it for those who "manage on their own" - where there is a partner helping with dressing, washing etc etc then that is clearer. That is not to say he wouldn't qualify

I'd be very much inclined to talk to CAB, AgeUK, advice agency to see what their take on it is. And I'd get help with form completion

Good luck. I hope it works out for you both. I very much agree with others about trying to get him to spend the £26k on the much needed work on the house - but I, entirely, understand that that is easier said than done