Needing help.

[janetPaice1947]

Hi, I am Janet and am new to this page/site. I have health problems that are making it really awkward for me to be on my own for more than a few hours at a time and also requiring help with my everyday living. Difficulties in preparing and cooking food, personal hygiene, sometimes walking and laundry is impossible. I have my OAPension, am I entitled to other benefits and is my husband, who is on no benefits at all and not working as he is my "Carer", entitled to anything and if he is please can you tell me what and how to claim. TIA

[sassy59]

Hi Janet you can contact the Citizens Advice Bureau for help or look up Carers Allowance/Attendance Allowance. Not sure if you can claim Pension credit plus get in touch with social services and your council regarding help with care maybe. Good luck to you. Xxxx

[MAS_Nurse]

Hello and welcome Janet. have you taken the needs assessment in the post above. It sounds like you are both struggling, have you spoken to your GP or Practise Nurse, perhaps you could qualify for some help with activities of daily living from the care agencies. Also there are many useful articles in the pinned posts on the right of this screen. Take care.

[Hidden]

Sorry to hear of your struggle Janet. On the face of it you may be entitled to Attendance Allowance, but trying to claim it on your own can be quite challenging, so it's best to discuss this with your GP/nurse/social worker, or anyone else who might be professionally helping to care for you. They can guide you through the process as well as endorse your need for care at home.

Attendance allowance is now only for people of over retirement age and is not means tested. It comes in two parts, either an allowance for your carer to help you with your daily routine during the day or a night time supplement if you need help with things like getting up to use the toilet.

If applying, you should be prepared to be able to demonstrate your disabilities as you might be called to attend an assessment.

So, in short, don't be put off by complicated forms and processes. Talk to your health advisors and use their help to get the help you need. Good luck.