Ok, I've just posted about this on the other forum as its been such a grey area for us since we moved in with mum and I have now just had clarification on the subject of discretionary disregard. Mum recently had a financial assessment to see how much she would have to pay for respite as she broke her hip and was in care for four months. Shes back home now with us and while the finance officer was here, we were just chatting and she asked me if I'd ever consider permanent care. I told her that before mums hip fracture I would never have considered it, I've cared for mum for 7 years, lived with her for 2 1/2 with my husband. But she was so well cared for in the home and actually very happy that the only thing stopping me was the fact we'd lose our home if she was placed permanently. She looked at me quizzically and said why will you? Then she explained that we would get a discretionary disregard, not only because we live and care for mum and have done so for some time, but I also claim carers allowance which also carries some weight. We do not fit the criteria for a DD as we're both in our 50's, not disabled etc but she told me it does not matter, we would get a DD! And she should know as she deals with this regularly. I admit I was taken aback by this news as I always thought there was no hope. She made notes on the system regarding this and told me if I wanted to get the ball rolling, contact my SW and go from there.
