I asked SS yesterday about the outcome of my carers assessment. I am primamry carer for my 20yr old son with severe learning difficulty's and very challenging behaviour among other things. Anyway I'm struggling to keep the garden under control and was hoping for a DP to hire someone on a regular basis. Anyway the paperwork hasn't been done yet but she said they may be able to get me a new bed to replace the one that he broke but that would be about it, and it's not a given that they will. I'm not sure these carers assessments are much worth the effort of answering all the very personal questions and the time it takes.
Has your son had his Needs Assessment? Presumably he contributes to the care he receives from SSD? The cost of a regular gardener can sometimes count as an "allowable expense" and be deducted from his personal contribution. If neither of you have had a benefits check recently, I would suggest you email the Carers UK helpline and they can make sure you are receiving everything you are entitled to.
When I was disabled my eldest son bullied me into doing away with all the flower beds in the garden. Really sad, as my late husband and I loved the garden we'd made from scratch, but believe me, it was the best thing we ever did. I had a wider patio built and have flower pots round the edge, but now all it takes to keep the garden really smart is a quick whizz round the lawn with the mower. I cannot recommend this idea enough, all our friends say how tidy it looks - no one ever says "Where are your lilacs, the forsythia, the camellias, etc. etc.!"
Did you know your son didn't have to pay Council Tax as he has "severe mental impairment"?