I'd be grateful for any advice from the experts on here please! My father (83) has dementia and is cared for at home by my mother (80) in Scotland (not sure if there are any différences to the rules there compared to England). He was formally diagnosed about 9 months ago but has had it for much longer. I live abroad. I am currently looking at the attendance allowance form with a view to helping them make a claim. However, while it is very hard for mum to look after dad, he doesn't have nursing needs yet and is only very occasionally incontinent. She can still leave him alone for maybe an hour or so, although we avoid it as he can get flustered/confused and do stupid things. He is still able to shower and dress himself with constant chivvying along, being told what to wear, what to do and when to do it etc. So my mother is under considerable mental strain but is reluctant to apply for attendance allowance as she feels he isn't bad enough yet. I'm not sure what to think as it is very hard for her to deal with him (confusion, non-physical aggression, constant need for supervision, repeating of questions, saying daft things etc.). I have read on here that it's good to be "in the system" and apply at the right time. My parents live in a very isolated area and there is no local help mum can get to fill in the form. We do have Power of Attorney. So really my question is should I encourage them and help them to apply for attendance allowance at this point or wait till things get worse? Thanks for any advice.