Can anyone tell me, is this just based on assistance required at night?
My OH currently gets the lower rate but other people I have spoken to are on the higher rate, just wondering given the challenges of looking after PWD at quite an advanced level?
Can anyone tell me, is this just based on assistance required at night?
My OH currently gets the lower rate but other people I have spoken to are on the higher rate, just wondering given the challenges of looking after PWD at quite an advanced level?
On the subject of attendance allowance, I have been told that we cannot apply as my husband cannot sign the form ( he is too advanced in his dementia journey).
Someone else may not sign for him. Would anyone have any experience which contradicts this as it does seem very unfair.
When my husband was first diagnosed we had a lady from the DWP come to see us and filled in the form for us (arranged by the Alzheimers Society). My husband is rather deaf and without hearing aids would not hear the phone or a smoke alarm. He already depended on me for a lot of the daily tasks. I don’t remember the exact words, but the DWP immediately offered me to be his representative and all correspondence comes addressed to me and I was able to sign the forms on his behalf. This had nothing to do with the POA, it was something separate organised by the DWPOn the subject of attendance allowance, I have been told that we cannot apply as my husband cannot sign the form ( he is too advanced in his dementia journey). Someone else may not sign for him. Would anyone have any experience which contradicts this as it does seem very unfair.
Thanks everyone for your replies and advice.
It’s hard to know if applying for the higher rate is the right thing to do.
Because I’m here all the time it’s impossible to imagine how my OH would get by if he was alone. I don’t think he would even go to bed let alone undress, dress, etc, etc!
IfMine was completed by a charity worker who offered to do it and knew her stuff. I mentioned that John had gotten up a couple of nights and had a shower at 3 am etc. This was in his first year after diagnosis and she wrote copiously on the form but I think the night time details did the trick. We got the higher rate straight away.
Thanks everyone for your replies and advice.
It’s hard to know if applying for the higher rate is the right thing to do.
Because I’m here all the time it’s impossible to imagine how my OH would get by if he was alone. I don’t think he would even go to bed let alone undress, dress, etc, etc!
Would you consider a frame at his side of the bed to stop him falling out? The OT gave my husband one after a fall and it really was very useful and very easy to fit. It just slid between the mattress and bed frame. I handed it back after John died or I would take a photo. Get your GP to make a referral for him to have the OT visit and see how they can help.My OH received the higher rate of AA due to needing assistance both day and night. At night he will try and visit the bathroom without turning on any lights or try and visit 'the other bathroom' .... which we don't have. I normally accompany him, albeit at a discreet distance as he's not always aware of where he is or what he's doing and so needs gentle shepherding back to bed after the bathroom visit. There's also a couple of steps in the hall that are illuminated by a plug in night light but I can't be sure he's even awake during the nocturnal wanderings. I'm trying to decide whether a stair gate could be a good idea. A high one, naturally, so he won't keep walking and topple over it!
His sleep can be very restless (always has been - possibly PTSD) and he's had falls from bed which mean quite a resettling period as finding himself suddenly on the floor in a tangle of quilt leaves him in very distressed state.
Can't remember the last time I had a full night's sleep. Oh yes I can! It was 2008 when I was in hospital having hip replacements!
I suggest you get some help, maybe from AgeUK, to fill in the form. They will know exactly how to answer the questions to properly put across your position and what help your PWD needs from you. I've done that and am presently waiting to hear.Thanks everyone for your replies and advice.
It’s hard to know if applying for the higher rate is the right thing to do.
Because I’m here all the time it’s impossible to imagine how my OH would get by if he was alone. I don’t think he would even go to bed let alone undress, dress, etc, etc!
I did discuss this with an OT but somehow came to the conclusion it wouldn't be of use at present. The falls aren't nightly and he can generally get in and out of bed without aid so it could be more of a hindrance. The OT did suggest laying pillows on the floor though! Yeah, right. A nice trip hazard, eh?Would you consider a frame at his side of the bed to stop him falling out? The OT gave my husband one after a fall and it really was very useful and very easy to fit. It just slid between the mattress and bed frame. I handed it back after John died or I would take a photo. Get your GP to make a referral for him to have the OT visit and see how they can help.