52 years old and no diagnosis

[Sister70]

My sister has never had any sort of diagnosis for learning disabilities. She struggled in school and was bullied and did not mix well or make many friends. She had a job for a few years but then left (due to suspected bullying) and lost her unemployment benefit as she would not go out to 'sign on'. She later looked after my mum for last 25 years as carer, but she has now passed away. I am trying to get my sister some financial help (as she lives with my dad and she has no money). She cannot claim PIP as she has no diagnosis, she is trying to claim UC but they want her to eventually get a job. She has mental health problems (but she won't admit to it) and she has not been outside the house for over 20 years! The GP referred her to the mental health unit and they are doing a telephone assessment with her this week. I will be with her but I don't know where to go with this at all. My sister doesn't see anything wrong with how she lives and she does not want to go out. But how can I get her financial support? I am extremely worried about her.

[PaulRig]

Hi, As this is a telephone assessment and you will be with her I know it will be very tempting to prompt your sister with anything she does not understand but doing this will only give the person doing the assessment wrong idea of your sisters abilities by all means tell the assessor your sister does not understand question. Hope it goes well for her and she will get the help and financial support she needs.

[Sister70 in reply to PaulRig]

Hi. Yes, I agree with you, thank you for that. I'm also wondering if I need to try and get a learning disabilities assessment done. I know it's a lengthy process, but would I ask the GP about this or contact Social Services?

[PaulRig in reply to Sister70]

I would give your local county council adult social care a call and ask their advice also citizens advice may also be able to suggest how she can get financial help.

[Sister70 in reply to PaulRig]

I will give these a try. Thank you!

[49Twister in reply to Sister70]

Your sisters GP could make a referral, if she is willing for you to attend an appointment with her. Failing that contact Adult Social Care at your Local Authority and tell them you would like a social worker to assess your sister and your reasons why. As you said you will probably have to wait but you’ve waited this long so a bit longer won’t matter. Good luck

[Sister70 in reply to 49Twister]

Thank you for your advice. I am so glad I found this forum. It's so difficult to know what to do in this situation!