Azheimer's disease - funding for care
Discussion
I posted this earlier in the Lounge but it's probably more appropriate here. I'll ask for it to be moved...
Around five years ago my mum was unfortunately diagnosed with early onset of alzheimer's disease. She's now just turned 60 so was diagnosed at a young age. Shortly after the diagnosis she had to give up work which consisted of two fairly low paid jobs.
She lives alone but has a great network of friends and family who support daily.
The local authority have carried out varying assessments over the years and home care has been introduced, largely funded by the authority. A very small contribution to the care is taken from her allowance as the outcome of the assessment deemed her able to contribute. Currently there are two visits a day which help with preparing meals, washing and the basics.
Income is made up of disability benefits which make up roughly around £140 p/w.
The ability to cope and live alone is rapidly reducing and her condition is without a doubt worsening as time goes on. It's the family's general opinion that it's likely within the next twelve months, at the current rate of detioration, that she will need full time care of some sort.
I share both joint medical and financial power of attorney with another family member. Before I go on it's important to say that I have absolutely no interest in inheritence, and nothing I'm asking here is motivated by wanting any personal financial gain. I'd rather inherit nothing and ensure the best level of care is given and and quality of life is as good as can be. This is something I've said from day one and is still as important as ever now. At the time of writing her will, shortly after the diagnosis, I voluntarily cut my share of inheritence to ensure another family member who's not had the best start in life will receive something.
I'm looking for some guidance around how funding works as there's so much conflicting information out there.
Her only assest is her home which is probably worth around £140K. Her work's pension is worth pennies and she's £1K in savings.
We've found a couple of local care homes and sheltered accommodation which look decent.
Given the care costs, no liquid assets and a very limited income from benefits which won't nearly cover the cost of full time care, and totally conflicting information, I'm at a loss with what to and how it all works.
It'd be great to hear any real life experiences and advice with what to do next.
Thanks in advance.
Around five years ago my mum was unfortunately diagnosed with early onset of alzheimer's disease. She's now just turned 60 so was diagnosed at a young age. Shortly after the diagnosis she had to give up work which consisted of two fairly low paid jobs.
She lives alone but has a great network of friends and family who support daily.
The local authority have carried out varying assessments over the years and home care has been introduced, largely funded by the authority. A very small contribution to the care is taken from her allowance as the outcome of the assessment deemed her able to contribute. Currently there are two visits a day which help with preparing meals, washing and the basics.
Income is made up of disability benefits which make up roughly around £140 p/w.
The ability to cope and live alone is rapidly reducing and her condition is without a doubt worsening as time goes on. It's the family's general opinion that it's likely within the next twelve months, at the current rate of detioration, that she will need full time care of some sort.
I share both joint medical and financial power of attorney with another family member. Before I go on it's important to say that I have absolutely no interest in inheritence, and nothing I'm asking here is motivated by wanting any personal financial gain. I'd rather inherit nothing and ensure the best level of care is given and and quality of life is as good as can be. This is something I've said from day one and is still as important as ever now. At the time of writing her will, shortly after the diagnosis, I voluntarily cut my share of inheritence to ensure another family member who's not had the best start in life will receive something.
I'm looking for some guidance around how funding works as there's so much conflicting information out there.
Her only assest is her home which is probably worth around £140K. Her work's pension is worth pennies and she's £1K in savings.
We've found a couple of local care homes and sheltered accommodation which look decent.
Given the care costs, no liquid assets and a very limited income from benefits which won't nearly cover the cost of full time care, and totally conflicting information, I'm at a loss with what to and how it all works.
It'd be great to hear any real life experiences and advice with what to do next.
Thanks in advance.
I have an aunt who was in a similar situation three years ago and who has been in a care home for the last couple of years. My cousin (her daughter) told me the council required the house to be sold to pay the costs of providing residential care and I imagine this has now happened, I haven't heard anything in the last year or so.
thenortherner, I have been through a very similar situation over the last three years, not with my mum but my wife who was diagnosed with Dementia at a young age (62) and really feel for you, its not a very nice place to be.
Does she get Personal Independents Payments (PIP), if not you will have to contact the Department of Works and Pensions (DWP), does she have a social worker assigned to her? I see you`re getting help from the local authorities, which is a good help, I know it doesn't cover everything but its a help. Depending on the severity and how much care she requires and her mobility then PIP will do an assessment and pay her accordingly which is also a very good help. If you need any other pointers then please PM me as I have been down just about every avenue to get help and assistance, just to let you know my wife was diagnosed three and half years ago, she went downhill very quickly and six months ago I had to commit her to hospital under the mental health act, she is now in a nursing home full time, however she is heavily medicated and sleeps most of the day but I know she is being cared for correctly.
Care homes are also a minefield.
Does she get Personal Independents Payments (PIP), if not you will have to contact the Department of Works and Pensions (DWP), does she have a social worker assigned to her? I see you`re getting help from the local authorities, which is a good help, I know it doesn't cover everything but its a help. Depending on the severity and how much care she requires and her mobility then PIP will do an assessment and pay her accordingly which is also a very good help. If you need any other pointers then please PM me as I have been down just about every avenue to get help and assistance, just to let you know my wife was diagnosed three and half years ago, she went downhill very quickly and six months ago I had to commit her to hospital under the mental health act, she is now in a nursing home full time, however she is heavily medicated and sleeps most of the day but I know she is being cared for correctly.
Care homes are also a minefield.
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