Update on Peter

[misdee]

seeing several have asked

He is doing well, we are still waiting for that call again. am more jumpy than before. i make sure i have my mobile at all times when i have to pop out just in case.

He has had a few blips with fluid retnetion, but nothing major. INR levels seem stable. and his scar from the ICD is healing nicely.

DWP have now awarded him high rate care and mobility, so we are looking into getting a cleaner in 2-3 times a week.

[Easy]

Misdee,

If peter gets higher rate mobility, and you need someone to come in to do 'his share' of the domestic stuff (I.e. what he would do if he were fit) then you may be able to get Direct Payments from social services to pay a cleaner. I get it, to help me 'carry out the tasks that any other mother does'.

Speak to social services, or feel free to CAT me if you like.

[misdee]

how does that work then? and how long does it take to set up? do i contact adult care services?

[Easy]

Misdee, I got it through the social services disability team, but I think SS has different structures in different regions.

Ring SS and ask for details of the Direct Payments scheme. It has replaced the old home help system, so that you find your own 'staff' and administer paying them yourself, but with a Direct Payment from social services. They will come and assess how much help Peter needs, and should then award the payment at a rate of x hours per week (about £8.00 per hour atm). So when they come, you basically explain the same things you put on the DLA form about the care he needs. It doesn't matter that you are there to help him, it assumes that you wouldn't be (as if you were working, or as you have to deal with your children).

As with all social services matters, it can take time I guess, although mine got sorted within 2 weeks of me coming home from hospital.

[misdee]

thanks. i had heard of direct paymets but thought they were just for children with disabilities. i wonder if mieow knows about DP, she needs a bit of help at times

[Twiga]

glad to hear Peter is doing well! Also great that you'll get some extra help with things. Hope that INR level continue to be stable and that that call comes very soon, lol x