What happens when the caring partner is out of action?

[BogstandardBelle]

MIL has Parkinson’s and osteoporosis. She’s very restricted physically, but being treated and usually in quite good spirits. FIL has become her carer to a great extent - does all the shopping, cooking, driving etc. Their daughter (my SIL) does their ironing and some cleaning etc. Unf FIL will need to have a hip replacement in the next 6 months... both my parents have had them so I know it means he’ll be out of action for quite a few weeks, probably months, while he recovers.

They are in Scotland. Does anyone know if they are likely to be offered temporary carers or something to tide them over? SIL works full time and has her own family, DH and I live abroad. I may try to get over to stay for a while (flexible work and older children) but I could only do a week at most.

Any experience/ advice gratefully received.

Not sure about funding but care homes can provide respite care.

Contact their local adult social services department for advice and their gp, respite care in a home is a possibility or domiciliary carers, but whether it's funded will depend on what level of support she needs - driving and shopping isn't considered high enough needs whereas if she needs help showering, dressing or keeping her safe, that's different.

if she needs help showering, dressing or keeping her safe, that's different. - also feeding is considered a need - in the sense of preparing food. Don't know about means testing - in England, funding depends on income and savings (excluding value of home if you're living in it). Father may be able to get re-ablement post-hospital since he doesn't have anyone to care for him - in England this would be up to 6 weeks and non-means-tested.

I'm not sure how much physical help she needs - they are a bit reluctant to talk about that, but DSIL might know. They are having a walk-in shower installed this month: I actually think she hasn't been showering or bathing at all, just flannel washing and doing what she can with her hair. It's a bit of an issue tbh. I think DFIL does help with a lot of these things now.

She definitely can't manage cooking or even lifting things out of the fridge. She can't make a cup of tea. Partly the Parkinsons, but also the osteoporosis has made her very stooped and she can't reach up to cupboards or shelves much above waist height. They are very slow to research and try out adaptations that might make life easier (like rocking kettle etc) maybe it's time to push them on a bit again in that respect.