Sorry, but am I reading this right?
Direct payments are made directly to the sufferer's bank account etc., providing they:
a. are able to manage their own financial affairs (despite Attendance Allowance being paid directly to a nominee as it is a given they will not be able so to do);
or
b. are able to accurately assess their own care needs
depending upon the post code lottery?
And all this, given such claims are driven by the desperation to provide care support because their loved one is too ill and at risk to be able to make such a decision in the first place?
Stephen Ladyman is keen to involve Dementia sufferers in assessing their need for Direct Payment? Well, that's OK then! His fund will never be depleted, he can claim nobody is using it and absorb it into another scheme next year. Remy Martin all round!
Am off to visit Mum in the Nursing Home shortly, I'll get her to drop him a line! That's what it will be! A line _____________. And whilst there I'll put my name down for a room. I'm obviously already around the twist, or the world is.
Chesca