I have two sons – twins age 24 ( 25yrs in July this year).
They are both suffering from mental health conditions ( 1. OCD/ depression 2. GAD/ depression ) and one son also with long term ill health ( diabetes T1 - insulin dependent) – diagnosed at various times – over last 7 yrs. – i.e. young adulthood.
One son receives PIP ( although up for review ) and UC - but is not engaging in finding work due to OCD ; the other nothing - as was away at unie but has not coped with his health and is withdrawing . They now both live at home with us - parents in Croydon.
Both treated with medication – under psychiatrist ; received Community Mental Health Treatment under crisis - but conditions stabilised/flatlined to now seemingly not at risk – but this can change at a flick ; but both unable to live independently ( i.e. take care of themselves fully) - hence both withdrawn from unie. - and seemingly are incapable of working ( they are unable to get up at home and do much at home for themselves or others).
With our own retirement not far away – I and my husband are 63 - we are obviously very concerned at our sons futures. And in this the financial issues – which we have been carrying significantly in supporting them/ getting right care etc – having had to eat into our pension savings ( I am self-employed and my husband has only just returned to work at 60 having been a stay at home Dad) .
Our sons are reluctant to tackle the harsh realities of living i.e. getting money/ working etc …; they don’t like to talk about it – when we try it usually ends up in them retreating to their beds due to their anxieties/ illnesses and a few days of melt down …. And don’t like asking for state benefits. But the reality is they need it. Because as parents we can’t continue to support them.
I am therefore asking please for:
- Advice as to how I can guide them to get themselves sorted re benefits - I don’t know where to start – those benefits they do get were sorted by a support team they got when under Community Mental Health Services.
- How can get them help when they are both no longer registered with Community Mental Health Services - (good in one way as they are deemed much better - but they are now stuck - in no man’s land – not going forward and certainly not able to live independently whether they live with us or not)
- As parents we seem not entitled to any benefits. Or are we? We had a carers assessment some years back and that resulted in zero help.
Many thanks