Carers Allowance/Carers Assessment/Council Tax reduction for carers..

[HuRaKaN]

I'll try to explain this to the best of my knowledge as im posting this due to the worries of my g/f and id like to be able help her family as much as i can but please bear in mind im a little out of the loop when it comes to the specifics..

My g/f currently lives with her mother in a 2 bed flat supporting her mother with her financial situation in regards to bills as her mother is unable to work fulltime as her mother (my g/f's grandmother) is very old and needed daily help.

However recently the grandmother had a fall and ended up in hospital with a broken hip and possible signs of dementia(not sure if its the drugs but time will tell).Due to this my g/f's mother is looking at fulltime care for her mother as the carer herself but the obvious advantage would be to live in house with her mum.As my g/f is largely supporting her financially becoming a carer and not being able to work and taking into account that my g/f would have to move out (we plan to get our own house anyway v.soon depending on how the market develops) that would leave her mother with no income other than carers allowance which would not cover her morgage/bills and such..

By taking carers allowance in itself just takes from the grandmothers pension they would be no better off but also ontop of this a starlift would be needed to be installed (initial quote £4-5K)as they live on the second floor with no lift.

Ive looked at Directgov in regards to Council tax reductions, Community care Grants, Carers assessments especially in regards to: changes to equipment or adaptations to the home.

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated

[poppynurse]

Are you looking at grandma going back to live in flat with mother? Where does grandma usually live?

I would suggest you get social services involved to do a full assessment, they will help advise on options, benefits etc. The ward staff can do this referral for you on request.

Stairlifts can usually get a grant (dependant on income). Other equipment can be arranged by OT at the hospital to facilitate safe discharge.

Funding for care is complicated but the first step is usually a case conference whilst the person is still in hospital to establish needs and what can be done. Your g/fs mother can request a case conference by speaking to the nurse in charge of the ward.

[HuRaKaN]

Thanks poppy...i'll pass it on.

Hopefully they can sort something out because the current situation has been abit of a mess.