Attendance allowance and the "NEED" questions

BensonBooga

I have read lots of info on Age Concern website but I am still confused. So I am looking through the AA forms for my 81 year old mother. Since her husband (my dad) died not long ago she is finding a lot of things very hard to do because of arthritis, she doesn't have a carer. I just have the following questions.

1. So when it asks questions like "do you need help" in my mums case it is more a question of help being incredibly useful and the fact the arthritis severity can change from day to day. So if I put down she needs help showering but I mention she doesn't have anyone who helps, would that matter? As she can just about manage to shower but it would just be incredibly useful to have help. 

2. Why does it ask the same question in the form of "have difficulty with" and "need help with" ? Aren't they essentially the same thing ? Can you only answer "need" if you in no way can do it alone even with extreme effort ? 

3. Also when they say "do you fall over" do they mean something that happens weekly ? My mum has fallen about 5 times in the last 5 years so I presume that is not enough to count or class as having a falling problem ? 

Thanks for any help. 

calcotti

1. Obviously people have to do things out of necessity because they don't get the help they get. AA is addressed at the help they would need to manage tasks whether difficulty, pain etc. In the case of a shower the difficulties she experiences may mean that she showers never often that would otherwise be reasonable and it may came her a very time.

2. 'Have difficulty' and 'need help' are not the same, when the first often results in the second.

3. Occasional falls should be mentioned but once a year will not make a difference.

You could find this helpful.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/attendance-allowance/claiming-attendance-allowance/help-with-attendance-allowance-form/

poppy12345

It's about the help you need, regardless of whether you receive that help.

Murphybear

See the following from Age UK

“Many applications are turned down because people don't mention, or aren't clear about, how their illness or disability affects their lives. It's important that you don't underestimate your needs when filling in the form.”

Both Age U.K. and Citizens Advice can help with the form.  

BensonBooga

Thanks everyone. Anyone know if the question "I am at risk of harming myself" is about self harming or just general risk of hurting yourself by falling over, etc ? 

poppy12345

It’s related to harm from falling.

calcotti

It could also be because you would attempt to do things such as use a knife or make a hot drink and are at risk of cutting or burning yourself if left unsupervised.