Hello Jennifer, I understand your situation better. Thanks for setting it out so clearly and commiserations on the complexity of it all..I'll try not to suggest vexing solutions again quite so readily.
You mention to Cate that you don't think your mother would be entitled to any subsidy for a night sitter. You need to look at the benefit called Attendance Allowance, which is not means tested and comes at two rates; Day, and Day and Night. See:-http://www.counselandcare.org.uk/assets/library/documents/3_Disability_Benefits_AA_and_DLA.pdf
and http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/After_diagnosis/Sorting_out_your_money/info_welfare.htm
It's not a huge amount but worth claiming anyway. The form filling is a bit of a challenge, but not impossible.
I think it might help if you contacted a Social Worker and asked for a Community Care Assessment for your mum. Ok, she is self funding at the moment, but everyone is entitled to these assessments regardless of financial situation and it would help to be clear what the professionals think your mum's care needs are turning into.
You mention to Cate that you don't think your mother would be entitled to any subsidy for a night sitter. You need to look at the benefit called Attendance Allowance, which is not means tested and comes at two rates; Day, and Day and Night. See:-http://www.counselandcare.org.uk/assets/library/documents/3_Disability_Benefits_AA_and_DLA.pdf
and http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/After_diagnosis/Sorting_out_your_money/info_welfare.htm
It's not a huge amount but worth claiming anyway. The form filling is a bit of a challenge, but not impossible.
I think it might help if you contacted a Social Worker and asked for a Community Care Assessment for your mum. Ok, she is self funding at the moment, but everyone is entitled to these assessments regardless of financial situation and it would help to be clear what the professionals think your mum's care needs are turning into.