How to Cope when Caring for an Elderly Relative
9th February 2015
If you’re caring for a grandparent, parent, other relative, or friend of the family, then read our guide to coping and getting the help and benefits you deserve.
Caring for a relative can have emotional, financial and practical implications – but you’re not alone. It’s ok to ask for help…. It is estimated that nearly 40% of England’s population will be over 50 by 2029. Thankfully, the majority of these individuals will be active and able to live independently. However, as people age, they will inevitably grow more dependent on relatives and outside assistance. This can happen slowly due to degenerative illness, or may happen suddenly due to an accident. Whatever the reason, it can be very difficult for a family carer to cope. If you have found yourself
caring for an elderly relative then it can seem quite overwhelming. You may experience feelings of guilt, stress, anxiety and frustration. When an elderly person requires care, it can cause disagreements between family members. Added to this is the emotional and financial strain of caring for somebody on a regular basis.
Carer’s Assessment As a carer, you are entitled to an assessment of your needs. This ‘carer’s assessment’ identifies the level of support you require to care for you relative properly. This is not an evaluation of you, or how capable you are, but an assessment of how much support you are entitled to.
Whatever particular issues you are dealing with, it’s important to remember that there is support available.
Has your relative had a Section 47 Care Assessment? The Section 47 community care assessment will evaluate your elderly relative’s needs. This is carried out by your local social services department, and includes provisions for care and home adaptions. This is separate to the carer’s assessment – it’s important that you request both to ensure you get the maximum help you are entitled to.
Financial Support -
Carer’s Allowance In order to claim this benefit you must be providing care for at least 35 hours per week. The person you are caring for must be receiving attendance allowance or disability living allowance.
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Attendance Allowance Attendance allowance is a benefit for the person you are looking after. They must be aged over 65 years and have an illness or disability.
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In addition to the allowances
Other allowances that may
listed on the right, you may
be available to you, or your
also be able to acquire loans
elderly relative, include:
or grants. A budgeting loan is available to individuals on a low
clothes, furniture, travel
If the person you’re looking after has a disability or illness, then they may be entitled to Disability Living Allowance.
If you live in Northern Ireland
If you are caring for a relative and have a low income, then you may be eligible for low income support.
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a community care grant. This
Independent Living Fund
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to be repaid.
then you may be eligible for
Employment & Support allowance
costs etc. This is a loan, which means that it will need
Blind Person’s allowance
income, to help pay for
Disability Living Allowance
Low income support
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Personal Independence Payment
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Disabled Facilities grants
is there to help your elderly
As you can see, there are
relative live independently in
quite a number of benefits
the community, or if you (the
and grants available to
carer) are struggling under
carers and those receiving
immense pressure. You will
care from relatives. To find
not have to pay this back.
out more about these allowances, and whether you will be eligible, visit www.gov.uk.
3
The Mobility Scheme
The Carers Trust
The Mobility Scheme
The Carers Trust is a charity
enables people with
that provides support for
disabilities to lease a new
unpaid carers. If you are
car or mobility scooter, using
struggling emotionally, then
government allowances.
the dedicated helpline, and
If the individual is unable to drive, they can still apply for
carers, can offer support. The charity also offers
the passenger.
respite – giving you a well-
Scheme click here.
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Ease your strain on a day-to-day basis
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Give you respite from caring for your relative, and enjoy some time off
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Help your relative enjoy greater independence with mobility aids, travel assistance, and home adaptions, such as stairlifts
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Make you feel valued as a carer
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Give you the financial assistance you need to care for your relative
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Improve the quality of life for yourself and for your relative
the online community of
a car in which they will be
To find out about the Mobility
Getting the support you need will help to:
deserved break or holiday. Find out more here.
Sources: https://www.gov.uk/ NHS
This guide was compiled by Associated Stairlifts. Associated Stairlifts offer new, reconditioned, straight and curved stairlifts, along with a stairlift rental service.