At the beginning of last year my mum became very depressed, confused and forgetful and after seeing a doctor she had some tests which included a brain scan. In August 2013 the doctor at the Memory Clinic diagnosed my mum as having early stage Alzheimer's. She was referred to a Psychologist in December 2013 who said she had dementia. In February 2014 we went back to the Memory Clinic for a follow up appointment and this time the doctor said he diagnosed mild cognitive impairment which may or may not lead to Alzheimer's thus changing the diagnosis I'd had for the past year slightly.
Last year the CPN suggested I apply for attendance allowance when we had the Alzheimer's diagnosis but as it was very early stages, I didn't follow it up. Recently I've been talking to a member of staff about my Mum's council tax and they have again suggested applying for attendance allowance as receipt of this May make her exempt from council tax which would be one less thing for me to worry about.
My question is, can I apply for it now that the clinic have changed the diagnosis? My Mum's memory is not improving, she needs support with her medication and finds handling her finances increasingly difficult. Her mood is better thanks to the meds. I can't say that I've seen any improvement in her memory problems.
Can someone advise please as it's all very confusing and I don't want to spend hours completing lengthy forms if it's going to be rejected.
Thanks.
Last year the CPN suggested I apply for attendance allowance when we had the Alzheimer's diagnosis but as it was very early stages, I didn't follow it up. Recently I've been talking to a member of staff about my Mum's council tax and they have again suggested applying for attendance allowance as receipt of this May make her exempt from council tax which would be one less thing for me to worry about.
My question is, can I apply for it now that the clinic have changed the diagnosis? My Mum's memory is not improving, she needs support with her medication and finds handling her finances increasingly difficult. Her mood is better thanks to the meds. I can't say that I've seen any improvement in her memory problems.
Can someone advise please as it's all very confusing and I don't want to spend hours completing lengthy forms if it's going to be rejected.
Thanks.