Hi, I'm really looking for advice from someone who has been through the PiP process on behalf of a PWD. My OH was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's last November. He is now 61. We have no income and cannot claim state pensions till we're 66. His Consultant Psychiatrist advised us to apply for PiP which would also make us eligible for a council tax reduction and for me to claim carer's allowance. We have been living on savings and the extra income would certainly help, but I am doubtful if an application would be successful. I have PoA for finances and property which OH agreed to a few months ago (not sure how that happened) and when I made the initial phone application for PiP I was told that I can apply on his behalf - just waiting for the 36 page application form to come through the post.
So, this is the problem: my OH does not remember / accept / understand the diagnosis (depending on which day you talk to him). His memory is very poor - he doesn't remember what he did a few hours ago, he doesn't know where we met (we've been married 3 years), he has "lost" many years of his life, he asks repetitive questions. He has trouble following conversations, he cannot recognise people or follow directions, struggles with every day interactions with people, unable to read body language or respond appropriately. I do all every tasks for him - shopping, cooking, cleaning, washing, financial management, drive him everywhere, remind him to take medication etc. He could not survive without my help (or someone else's help.)
I'm sure you will all understand my description. He will NOT accept that he has dementia, or even any memory loss. He has recently been prescribed Donepezil, but refuses to take it as he doesn't have dementia. My understanding is that he would be interviewed by an assessor for PiP. How can that work if he insists that there's nothing wrong with him?
Does anyone have experience of applying for PiP when the person they care for does not accept the diagnosis? I'm wondering if there's any point in applying. Thank you for reading.
So, this is the problem: my OH does not remember / accept / understand the diagnosis (depending on which day you talk to him). His memory is very poor - he doesn't remember what he did a few hours ago, he doesn't know where we met (we've been married 3 years), he has "lost" many years of his life, he asks repetitive questions. He has trouble following conversations, he cannot recognise people or follow directions, struggles with every day interactions with people, unable to read body language or respond appropriately. I do all every tasks for him - shopping, cooking, cleaning, washing, financial management, drive him everywhere, remind him to take medication etc. He could not survive without my help (or someone else's help.)
I'm sure you will all understand my description. He will NOT accept that he has dementia, or even any memory loss. He has recently been prescribed Donepezil, but refuses to take it as he doesn't have dementia. My understanding is that he would be interviewed by an assessor for PiP. How can that work if he insists that there's nothing wrong with him?
Does anyone have experience of applying for PiP when the person they care for does not accept the diagnosis? I'm wondering if there's any point in applying. Thank you for reading.