Fibromyalgia???

[Wattsy94]

Do you need a carer for fibromyalgia? I'm just curious as my friend has it?

[trip77]

Hi Wattsy94 In respects of 'officially' needing a carer, I don't know or have anyone, but on certain days and more often than not, my partner regularly helps me with basic needs like getting dressed, bathed, making meals etc, as well as running errands for me. Naturally this is when my fibro really really plays havoc with my body and simple tasks are too much effort or I'm in too much pain.

Whether I could get one for these bad days, I am unsure of, and don't know if I am entitled to one. I think I may be eligible if I get P.I.P. but only on the higher rates. Its something I will be looking into as well.

[Nelly1 in reply to trip77]

Unofficial unpaid carers are now eligible to get the Covid vaccine.

[trip77 in reply to Nelly1]

I never knew that either. 🙂

[Nelly1 in reply to trip77]

Neither did I until yesterday 😜

[LoneEra in reply to Nelly1]

Definitely worth knowing. Quite a few limitations though for anyone wondering if they qualify: carers.org/guidance-on-coro...

[Cat00]

Some people will some people won't, fibro is so variable person to person one person might not be able to do anything without help another can get through the day themselves.

[Guppy_mama]

Hi, Some people definitely need a carer. When had my worst flare up, I couldn't walk or dress myself. Not just because of pain, I actually lost a lot of movements. I'm sure there is a medical term for partial paralysis and that is one of the symptoms for some. Hope that helps. I hope you can support your friend regardless of their symptoms.

[Dizzytwo Moderator]

Hi there, it realy does depend on how badly your fibro effects you. If your bed bound then its obvious. If you cant cook a meal or need help dressing or bathing or need help using the toilet then you would need a carer. My hubby is my carer but hes one of the unpaid ones. Only you know how badly you need help on a day to day basis. Not forgetting the help you may need through the night time too. Its based on your needs not your illness.

Momo

[Daisy4444]

My husband has recently become my carer as I have fibromyalgia as well as ither health problems. He had his covid jab the same time as me.

[Midori]

I managed for 30 years without but now my son is my official carer. I can't do things as well as I used to; I leave the oven on and things like that, it's dangerous now, particularly as I can't see well any more.

Cheers, Midori

[Treacle82]

My partner cares for me a lot day to day . Although he is not officially my Carer , as he is my step sons main Carer as he has autism . But he cares for us both . To receive carers allowance , the person needs to be receiving Pip . You can also have a social needs assessment with adult social care , where you can be allocated direct payments each month to employ your own Carer or Personal assistant for the help that you need day to day . The social worker will do a assessment to how many hours you need a day / week . And they pay the money into a bank account for you , which all has to be accounted for . Or the social worker can arrange care from a agency for you . As long as your needs qualify . And you also have to have a financial assessment, but it’s worth all looking into . That needs extra help , it’s not something I currently get as my partner helps me a lot . But I have had meeting previously with social worker about it .

[Midori]

It depends how badly it affects your day to day activity, Some folk do; others don't. In the last 3 years my son has become my carer, as my balance and vision are off and my strength failing along with my memory!

Cheers< Midori