Care Package

[Bennyclaws]

Hi, I am new to MN.I have been looking after my Mum who has Alzheimer's throughout the school holidays. I am returning to work next week which I will find extremely difficult. We have carers that come in twice a day, but all of the other care is given by myself. What I would like to know is, if I gave up work could I take on the paid care package myself? Thank you

[PeralMePots]

I would ring AGEUK For advice. They are brilliant and have lots of leaflets as well as experts on the phone. Just a couple of thing to be aware of from my experience, I took early retirement to be a carer, the consequence is that my state pension is signigicantly reduced. I get only 75% . . It is a very lonely life caring for someone with Alzheimer's.

[bigredboat]

You might be able to be employed as mums carer via a direct payment but you would only get the amount of care she was assessed as needing by adult social care - e.g. potentially just the 2 visits a day. You might be able get carers allowance if you do 35 hours+ care a week but that depends on your other income and I think can have an affect on mum's benefits (if she gets any). Does your mum have a social worker you could chat with?