My DM, aged 83 gets lower level attendance allowance. Her mobility has significantly declined recently so I spoke to Age UK about the chance of increasing it.
To get higher level, a princely £80 per week, you have to have someone in the house all night, and ideally apparently sitting up with the person, rather than sleeping in the next room as I have been doing.
To get carers allowance, another magnificent sum of £59.75 per week, you have to provide care for 35 hours per week - oh, and if you earn more than £100 a week you're not entitled to it anyway. And its taxable.
I always knew carers got a raw deal, but this just absolutely takes the piss. I love my mum, and I am doing 35 hours caring a week at the moment, the fact that I wont get the allowance wont stop me of course.
I am just so so shocked at the low level of the money. How on earth does anyone manage to survive?
I hope that as she gets better her mobility will improve and I will be less involved - but carers of the world, I salute you.