Dumb question .... mum moved into care home ... is there some sort of allowance that's not means tested available?

[loveyouradvice]

Hi... it's all been hectic.

Mum in lucky position that we've been able to rent out her flat and together with her pensions that pretty much covers the care home.

I've a strange feeing that I've heard about an allowance that she might be eligible for - I think for a few thousand a year- non means tested - she's 84, early stages dementia, and likely to live for years. Am I dreaming or is there?

She's happy where she is but we know she'll need more care as the dementia gets worse so starting to get everything sorted, now we've managed to renovate and rent out her flat.

You might be thinking of attendance allowance. It’s not means tested and paid at 2 different rates. You will need to check the eligibility though as it is not normally paid to people in care homes if their care is being paid for - your post reads like you/your mum are covering all the care home costs, in which case then she should be able to get it. All the info is on the gov.uk website.

If she is self funding her care home, she can claim and keep Attendance allowance. Needing 24/7 care environment for her care needs would put her at higher rate level - about £89/ week (£4,600/year) It only stops if your placement) is funded by LA.

www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance/eligibility

Not a dumb question. Am placemarking for (sadly) future reference.

Yes, you're right. It's available to self-funded residents to offset some of their costs. I was in the middle of applying for a relative but sadly he died at the start of the Covid lockdown.

I would contact adult social services, at your local council, did she have a case worker who arrange the provision or did you? Either way they are generally pretty good on what is available

Thank u. That’s significant and wd be a real help. Getting on to it today.