Hi, I’m new to Carer’s UK and have joined on behalf of my 90 year old Mum who has become a Carer for my Dad who has Alzheimer’s. As Dad’s disease changes the stresses upon Mum are increasing and I’m really keen to find out what support might be available for her. Mum and Dad live in berth Essex. Many thanks for this opportunity to find out about support for Mum.
Welcome to the forum. Dad should have a Needs Assessment from Social Services, and mum should have a Carers Assessment, looking at what would help her in her caring role.
Is dad getting Attendance Allowance and claiming exemption from Council Tax due to his dementia?
What would help mum most at the moment?
Thank you so much for your swift response.
It sounds like our next step will be to contact Social Services, with Mum’s consent of course. Mum is very tired so I think would benefit from some time when she can get out for a coffee with friends without worrying about Dad, and have someone sit with Dad and reminisce about motorbikes and sailing.
Don’t ignore the benefits side of things. Attendance Allowance isn’t means tested, remember dad has paid towards it all his life. Does mum manage their money? If preferred, DWP can arrange for a visiting Officer to do the forms. It amounts to about £6,000, that’s a lot of extra money to make life easier!
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Welcome to the forum. My Mum has cognitive decline. At 99 we’ve not had an official diagnosis of dementia, but the GP saw Mum last year and did a memory test. I’m finding things hard with Mum as in addition to not really being able to have a conversation any more she his virtually blind and has hearing decline. Last spring I went on a course “ caring for dementia carers” run by a Cornish charity. It was life changing (I’d got to my wits end and felt totally untrained how to deal with someone with dementia). I’d recommend that you and your Mum try and find a similar course. If there is nothing available in your area, I do have my course notes that I could forward to you.
Good luck for you and your Mum. Yes, both of you need some respite time otherwise one or both of you will burnout.
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For Unpaid & Family Carers
- Wellbeing & Confidence: Unpaid carers can access free, flexible online and in-person courses through ACL Essex. These include mindfulness, confidence-building, and digital skills designed to fit around your caring role. [1]
- Caring Confidently: Provided by Carers First, this course helps you increase resilience, improve wellbeing, and develop practical strategies for your caring responsibilities. [1]
- Parent Carer Support: ACL Essex runs tailored courses in neurodiversity, SEND support, managing emotions, and positive parenting. [1]