Firstly, a bit of background. My Mum has suffered from four instances of oral cancer. She has had numerous surgeries and lastly, a round of radiotherapy. This has left her nil by mouth permanently and with disfigurement and speech problems. However, she has also suffered from personalityand mental health issues for many many years which have been exacerbated by her condition.
So just over a year ago, she ended up coming to live with my husband and I in our home. She refuses to engage with any outside support and will not accept any other carers apart from myself (and a little assistance from my husband). She receives her pension credit and attendance allowance and owns her own home but insists on letting my brother live in it for £25 a week (including bills). I have had to give up work to care for her. She offers little or no financial contribution to our household, and when she does, it's with conditions and constant reminders. So we tend not to take it. Attendance allowance is paid to Mum and she sees it as her right.
We have called in Social Services to assess our situations and they have allocated us Direct Payment and decided that I can receive this payment in light of my Mum's condition and refusal to engage with the outside world. Fantastic - some recognition for what we do. We have Independent Lives administering the payment to ensure openness and transparency.
So my question is - is there anyone else who is in this position with a Direct Payment? Any pitfalls?
Look forward to hearing from you.
So just over a year ago, she ended up coming to live with my husband and I in our home. She refuses to engage with any outside support and will not accept any other carers apart from myself (and a little assistance from my husband). She receives her pension credit and attendance allowance and owns her own home but insists on letting my brother live in it for £25 a week (including bills). I have had to give up work to care for her. She offers little or no financial contribution to our household, and when she does, it's with conditions and constant reminders. So we tend not to take it. Attendance allowance is paid to Mum and she sees it as her right.
We have called in Social Services to assess our situations and they have allocated us Direct Payment and decided that I can receive this payment in light of my Mum's condition and refusal to engage with the outside world. Fantastic - some recognition for what we do. We have Independent Lives administering the payment to ensure openness and transparency.
So my question is - is there anyone else who is in this position with a Direct Payment? Any pitfalls?
Look forward to hearing from you.