Hi,
I’m hoping for some words of wisdom and some guidance please as I am a little stumped.
I have a friend who, a few years ago, suffered a stroke. He now suffers with impaired speech, loss of movement in his right side, vision problems etc. He is unable to work. He seems to do very well, and has adjusted to look after himself but everyday seems a struggle, especially as he lives alone.
He asked me to review his finances as he he worried about escalating energy costs etc. His incomings do not cover his out goings.
He is in receipt of universal credit and pip.
He’s asked me to help him; but with the loss of speech I’m unsure what he wants me to do.
His bills are concerning, but also I’m not sure what other help he should be getting. It feels like that as his speech has suffered, and he can’t write anything down due to the stroke effecting his right side, he is limited on what he can do. It’s frustrating as he has appointments to help with his vision which have now been made telephone calls appointments due to Covid; but if he is unable to have a conversion or take notes it seems very difficult for him.
I’d like to double check he is receiving the right benefits and to see if there is any extra support for him. He is paying for a cleaner himself but every month he is getting into debt.
It feels like he needs an expert to help support him to sort his financial affairs.
He has asked me; and I would love to help, but i don’t really know where to start. Especially because due to his condition he is unable to talk me through or anyone else what has happened in the past.
I’m just very concerned that each month he is getting himself into more and more debt.
Any guidance gratefully received
Many thanks