Where to look for advise and help

Norfolk_Jim

I'm not sure if this is the right choice for this post but I hope it can be moved if need be. I have a complicated life situation and listing every detail here would make for a very long read so Im really looking for where to start. Friday my already disabled wife had a stroke. It currently looks like she will be more disabled now than before. I am working but even before this I was thinking that we were getting to the point where I needed to perhaps switch to a part time job in order to care more for her (she is 49 by the way, Im 59). Now this has happened I dont know where to turn or who to turn to for advice on what my/our options are now. We own a house (about 6 years till paid off mortgage) and a load of debt (im on a DMP with Stepchange - 20 years to go). I'm asking please for suggestions of groups or organisations that I can speak with and investigate any options that are out there.

poppy12345

Are either of you currently claiming any benefits? if so which ones?

tacpot12

Your local Citizens Advice should be able to advise you, but if you are able to, you can also use one of the very good online benefit calculators. These allow you to enter the details of benefits you are already receiving and will confirm if you have any additional entitlement. One of their benefits is that they cover all of the passported benefits that might get missed in an initial consultation with Citiizens Advice. 

You could try the calculators at Turn2Us or EntitledTo: 

Turn2us Benefits Calculator 

Benefits Calculator - entitledto - independent | accurate | reliable

You can return to MSE if you have any questions about the benefits, but information on how to claim can be found on the  gov.uk website.  

Savvy_Sue

As well as the regular Stroke Association, there is also https://differentstrokes.co.uk/ for younger stroke survivors. 

That's as well as any support groups for her pre-existing disabilities. 

If you're in a union, contact them. If you or she are members of a 'profession' (and that can be quite wide!) see if there is a support association for that as well. 

OutdoorQueen

Most areas have a carers federation or carers association.  They can provide a wealth of information to support carers in the area.  There are also national organisations such as https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/ or https://carers.org/help-and-info/introduction

If you or your wife have served in the military, including reserves, Veterans Gateway would be a good starting point to put you in contact with local support: https://www.veteransgateway.org.uk/

Just on the slim off chance you live in Nottinghamshire, there are some events happening at the moment that provide lots of advice and information: https://healthandcarenotts.co.uk/carers-roadshow/. ( edited - just seen “Norfolk” in your user name, so perhaps no use!!) 

if you do live in Norfolk. https://carersmatternorfolk.org.uk/

MalMonroe

Hi, some great advice on here already but could you have a needs assessment carried out in light of your wife's recent stroke? 

There is some info in the following link  -  https://www.gov.uk/apply-needs-assessment-social-services

You could fill in the questionnaire within that link and see what's available in your area. 

I hope your wife's on the road to recovery and wish you both all the very best. 

born_again

Norfolk_Jim said:

I'm not sure if this is the right choice for this post but I hope it can be moved if need be. I have a complicated life situation and listing every detail here would make for a very long read so Im really looking for where to start. Friday my already disabled wife had a stroke. It currently looks like she will be more disabled now than before. I am working but even before this I was thinking that we were getting to the point where I needed to perhaps switch to a part time job in order to care more for her (she is 49 by the way, Im 59). Now this has happened I dont know where to turn or who to turn to for advice on what my/our options are now. We own a house (about 6 years till paid off mortgage) and a load of debt (im on a DMP with Stepchange - 20 years to go). I'm asking please for suggestions of groups or organisations that I can speak with and investigate any options that are out there.

Post in the debt section with a statement of affairs, that is the best place for that query.
I have a feeling that defaulting on this debt will be the advice. 

Norfolk_Jim

poppy12345 said:

Are either of you currently claiming any benefits? if so which ones?

my wife gets PIP and my son gets carers allowance

thara1996

Heya. 

You could try calling up Scope or emailing Carers UK in order to start off with. This is their main area of expertise. Otherwise try to see if either Age UK or Independent Age can be of some help. Start the ball rolling tomorrow morning pronto. Good luck and you are in my prayers too. Please contact Citizens Advice asap regarding your overall finances and benefit application processes. Benefit claims are tricky things to deal with. Most people tend to obtain professional advice. It is better that way for sure. 

You can use her personal independent payments in addition to fund part time live in care in lieu of a full time care home. Do some online research and discuss your care options with a trained expert. Make some brief summary notes in all cases here. Consider your own skills and hobbies. Same goes for your own personality and unique interests. Write a short but politely worded inquiry letter to care homes to explain your family situation and give information on her care needs. Keep us updated original poster. 

State up to five classic examples of scenarios when she needs extra help. Make a numbered list of her care needs. This is what Scope and the listed organisations can offer you tailored practical support with. A diary may be handy. If you have appointment letters make a spare copy of it to attach. Or send them a modified version by email.