Can anyone help me get my life back together?

[Fizzink38]

I’ve had a difficult year. My Mum died last month after a long, long battle with cancer. My Dad is 80 and is heartbroken, and has needed a lot of support.
I suddenly went deaf in one ear and was eventually diagnosed with a brain tumour. This meant I couldn’t work in the field I’ve spent my adult life in, and I’ve been living off my small pension and savings.
I really need to get my life back together, get some kind of job (ideally working from home, part-time as I get exhausted really easily, have medical appt’s etc)
I just don’t know where to start. I have been to CAB, who helped me claim Carer’s allowance for Mum, but they said I couldn’t claim anything else as it’s means tested and I have savings.
Any advice welcome - emotional, financial, please help me get some kind of plan for the future!

Ok, this is completely out there, but do you like dogs? I have a friend who dog sits in her own home - sometimes for a few hours, up to a few days. She, like you, needs to work flexibly and has built up quite a good client list. Dogs are generally incredibly cheerful and lovely to have around. I’d do it myself if I didn’t have my own pack of ne’er do wells!

I am so sorry you are having such a tough time.

Consider claiming PIP and get some proper help filling the forms in, also if turned down appeal. It is not means tested and is about the issues any medical condition (including causing exhaustion) affect you in daily life.

Another option is claiming Carer's Allowance for your Dad, depending of course on what support you are giving him.

ETA to change from old teminology!

Thank you so much for responses! I wouldn't be able to manage dogs, I'm afraid, and I live in a rented house which is no pets.

I thought PIP was for people was for people who need care/help with eating/bathing etc?

Should I go back to CAB for help with the forms?
Support for Dad is more emotional/help with letters that arrive etc, nothing like what I was doing for Mum.

Hi, so sorry for the loss of your Mum; I lost my Mum in 2023 after a very short illness (cancer) & it’s been so devastating. So grief may also be affecting you at present- don’t underestimate the impact it can have emotionally as well as on your health.
I do think you should try to apply for PIP as it’s not means tested & not a work related benefit - do speak to the CAB as they can help with forms. You may well not be eligible but it’s definitely worth a try, as your illness is affecting your life. I get PIP as I have Schizoaffective disorder & epilepsy so take several very strong medications, all of this affects how I live my life day to day unfortunately.
I manage to work part time but it really is a struggle physically and mentally; although I do benefit from having a job so I’m keeping going.
The key thing if you do find part time work & have chronic illness is to get plenty of rest & listen to your body, really pace yourself.