Hi all, during covid my partners full time carers left. We’ve been together for nearly four years and since I moved in with him I do the majority of his care anyway, as well as at the time having a full time job and five kids between us.
My partner was in a car crash in 2015 which left him unable to use his arms or hands. This means he needs help eating, washing, shaving, brushing teeth, getting drinks for him etc . He does have a full time job as a lecturer.
We’ve been allocated 2 hours a day for care - which is ridiculous. I spent two days last week at the hospital with him as he was poorly and they didn’t have enough staff their to help him go to the loo ( don’t have special toilets).
I had to give up my full time job last October as he was struggling with stomach problems so I was forever having to collect him from work and help him at home as he was struggling from migraines .
However I can’t financially afford just being paid 2 hours a day (£18 a day). I am trying to freelance myself however find it difficult
To be able to commit to jobs due to the amount of care my partner needs.
The council thinks it takes me 20 mins each morning to shower him, wash, dress, make his breakfast, feed him and make his packed lunch . I also have to go at lunch time a few days a week to help him eat.
The amount of hours a day to care for my partner is actually around 6-7 or more. He can’t even get himself a glass of water! So it’s sometimes sporadic.
Is there anything I am missing in terms what I am entitled too as because I am his partner they seem to think I should have to quit my job and help him for the rest of the hours - howeber we aren’t married and I have my own three kids to provide for . I also abs to drive Him every other weekend for four hours to collect his girls and then I feed them, cloth them etc all weekend so it seems a little unfair that I get paid 2 hours a day when I used to earn 30k a year ! If I didn’t do it then he wouldn’t get the care he needs .
Any help would be appreciated , thanks