Personal Hygiene.

[justjill_uk]

I have end stage COPD and Osteopenia. I struggle to wash myself. What can I do to access help in the UK for this. I get Attendance Allowance, but my partner does so much cleaning cooking etc I am reluctant to ask him to help.

[mrsmummy]

You should contact Social Services and ask for an assessment of need. They are obligated to undertake the assessment and you have the opportunity to tell them about the help you need. They can then look at providing help in your home either by getting a care agency involved or providing funding for you to employ a personal assistant. You may be asked to contribute towards the cost of the care as it is means tested.

[hypercat54]

Hi you can use your Attendance Allowance to pay for carers but you might be able to get them free.

Why not call the BLF helpline on 03000 030 555 as there is a benefits adviser there. They are open office hours during the week. Good luck. x

[katieoxo60]

Hello, mrsmummy is correct and in general your attendance allowance is taken into account as your income. But it is worth an assessment of needs , in fact you can request one online via your local council site, there may be other things you are entitled too also which could lighten the load on your partner. Please try you have nothing to loose, if you need help AGE UK can help with applications ect. Best Wishes x

[justjill_uk in reply to katieoxo60]

Thank you.

[katieoxo60 in reply to justjill_uk]

you are welcome

[asfaan_abs]

Hello Justjill

Attendance allowance is not taken as income, if you are in receipt of Pension credit that should not effect your benefit

[dantredan]

I had exactly the same problem, got extremely breathless trying un-successfully to wash my back & hair.

I contacted AGE U.K. they helped me make a claim for a 'Carers Allowance' (£220 a month. Not means tested and Non Taxable) I now have a care agency in twice a week to Shower me, Takes 45mins. cost me £46. a week. (£184 a month. I usually treat my self with the Surplus Money) Bit of a blow to my 'Dignity' & Independance, but at least I feel and smell a bit better.

This is not Charity or a Handout, you are entitled to this as a Brittish Citizen.

Wish you well,

[justjill_uk in reply to dantredan]

Thank you

[asfaan_abs in reply to dantredan]

Hello Dan

Carers Allowance is mean tested and treated as income, only DLA and now called PIP and Attendance Allowance is not treated as income

CA is someone who looks after you they receive the benefit

i hope this make sence

[dantredan in reply to asfaan_abs]

I have been receiving Carers Alowance since Dec 2017. The money is paid to my bank monthly, and it's up to me how I spend it, I can spend it on Bluebird Care, Bingo or a night at the Dogs. Check this out with Age.U.K

[asfaan_abs in reply to dantredan]

please don't get upset i am only making you aware that they are different type of benefit available and how they effect

its not Carers Allowance you are getting you are in receipt of one of the benefit DLA or PIP CARE COMPONENT

I did not mean to upset you

[asfaan_abs in reply to asfaan_abs]

sorry as you are 71 you probably getting attendance allowance

[justjill_uk in reply to asfaan_abs]

I am 69!

[lKeith]

justjill_uk

Hi , I have similar problems and have recently been discharged from hospital. I found that the palliative care team arranged and organised numerous services and equipment for me. To help solve your problem try to make contact with your local team, I have 2No tel numbers both of which will probably be able to give you your nearest team, mine have been brilliant. 01273 696955, 01444 441881. This may help. or point you in the right direction.

IKeith

[Hidden]

HI can I ask how old you are because at the moment I am 62 and it seems to make a difference to what I'm entitled to even though I have end stage COPD and have been unable to leave the house or wash myself for the last 2 years

[justjill_uk in reply to Hidden]

69.

[dantredan in reply to Hidden]

Hi Patsyann24,

I'm 71, Carers Allowance is not related to your age.

For help & advice contact your local Age U.K. they even completed the form for me.

[asfaan_abs]

Hello Just

for you get help as you are 69 years old you may be entitled to ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE

Please call and claim once you are in receipt of this benefit you can also apply for Cares Allowance, for some one to look after your needs you can go on google and get number to call, the claim will start from same day, its a booklet of many pages to complete but please send all your medical letter if require further help drop me line

[justjill_uk]

I do get attendance allowance. My husband has been doing everything for some time now but I do not want him to have to bathe me. I shall be contacting social services after my gp appointment tomorrow.

[asfaan_abs]

hello again

if you are in receipt of AA then your husband should apply for Cares Allowance which he may be entitled to looking after you or he can use that money for a carer, if there are no service available in community, good luck with social services

i hope this help

[peege]

Hi. It used to be the case that the Occupational Therapists attached to your GP surgery could visit you for an assessment for various aids.

For advice call 03000 030555, the BLF help line, office hours. P