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Elderly parents

Is It worth applying for attendance allowance?

128 replies

Icequeen01 · 30/11/2022 23:02

My DM had a fall in August and broke her hip. We think she fell due to her arthritic knee giving way. She was advised last year that she needs a knee replacement but the wait would be a couple of years so she decided she didn't want to go ahead with it! She's recovered amazingly well from her fall but now has to walk with a frame. She doesn't go out at all unless I take her so I take her shopping each week and to medical appointments. I managed to get her a Disabled Badge last year. She had a mobility scooter before her fall but can only use it when I am with her and has just used most of her savings to have a chairlift fitted in her house as she can't get up the stairs to her bathroom and bedroom otherwise is.

She also now has some memory and cognitive issues. No diagnosis as she gets upset if I even mention going to see her GP. I look after all her finances, make appointments, phone calls and do all her admin. I have to make up all her weekly tablet boxes and check that she's taken them each day. I now cook for her at least 4 times a week as since her fall I've noticed she doesn't cook properly for herself, just heats up soup, pies, quiches etc.

My DH thinks I should apply but I'm not convinced she would even qualify and the form is very off putting.

I know a lot of people on this board have experience so would be grateful for your advice as to whether you think it would be worth applying or I would be wasting my time.

OP posts:
Icequeen01 · 09/05/2023 21:12

TheShellBeach · 09/05/2023 00:02

Have you applied for Pension Credit for her as well?
It might be worth looking into it.

Thank you for the suggestion. I've just looked into the eligibility but as she gets almost a full state pension it says she's not eligible.

OP posts:
FinallyHere · 10/11/2023 18:40

I'm not convinced she would even qualify and the form is very off putting.

Full on the form deadpan. Just explain straight what help she needs. It doesn't need to be help that she is getting, just what she needs. Think about what help she needs on a bad day.

We were advised to applied for DM when she went into a home, because she needed two people to wash and toilet her. She was awarded the higher (needs overnight care) level

I've since applied for DH who cannot wash and dry his feet anymore, nor can he put on socks. He was awarded the lower day time only amount.

It's tax free, so still worth applying for. Tyler red form is designed to put you off applying. Don't let them get away with that.

Just be honest. Good luck.

Icequeen01 · 10/11/2023 22:06

Thanks for your reply @FinallyHere but I think you must have missed my update further on in the thread. My DM was awarded the higher amount which did surprise me as you will see from some of my posts nearer the end of the thread. I found the form more laborious rather than difficult to complete but pleased I did it now.

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