CHC post 18 vs direct payments

[gollyb]

Hi
DC has PMLD complex needs is turning 18 soon. We get some hours direct payment for respite, which is working ok with familiar carers, SS have said they’ll do assessment for CHC. I’ve heard CHC gives a lot more respite hours than DP. Could someone please advise whther there is a downside in going down the CHC route? For example heard that LA could have more control over non-verbal DCs decisions who is now a young adult as we dont have deputyship - yet (which seems another battle anyway) ... is this true? Also, do they take back a lot of PIP (on higher rate for both parts). DC has nothing else in their name except pip or bank acct. It’s all very confusing and stressful. Thanks very much for any thoughts.

The benefit of CHC over social care funded care is it isn’t means tested. This will become more important when DC receives UC in their own right.

Sometimes more care is provided via CHC, but not always. Sometimes what is first given is less and families have to fight for more. I don’t think there is any set pattern whether CHC or social care funded support results in more involvement. It depends on the individual circumstances, the professionals involved, where you live and which way the political wind is blowing.

If DC receives CHC support in the community, PIP will be unaffected. If DC receives care in a residential placement, it can be affected. The rules are quite complex and differ depending on the type of placement but are explained here.

Have you started the process to obtain deputyship?

Thanks a lot for the info. Wish there was one place to find all the information. Going crazy as so much to keep track of.
Looking into to deputy ship also still. Will def need that. Spoke to a lawyer who asked for couple of thousand!! with no guarantee on the welfare part of it.

Not everyone uses a solicitor. Some do it without.

I just have health and welfare deputyship for my daughter. It was about £2000 to obtain using a solicitor. As mentioned, there was a poster on here who obtained it without using a solicitor. It does just involve form filling and waiting and about £400 court fee.

IMHO it is important to obtain for dealing with social care as the definition of "best interests" applied by some of the SWs I have encountered with respect to my daughter's care differs very widely from mine.

thanks a lot for the info. Overwhelmed with worry and so much to do as AR also coming up. @vjg13 would you mind sharing the details of the solicitor pleas if that’s ok.
Thanks

@gollyb I've sent you a pm with the solicitor's details.