Josie is 57 and works part-time whilst caring for her mother Rachel, who is 85 and lives nearby. Rachel underwent an operation to have her intestines removed just before Christmas last year, she has a stoma bag insitu and needs assistance to empty the pouch. She also requires help with her personal care.
Josie was feeling that she was spending too much time with her mum, helping her with things she can not manage herself. Rachel and Josie decided that Rosie needed more help at home but they weren't sure how to arrange this.
“Mum has over £23,500 savings.” Josie was tearful when she spoke to the Carers’ Resource, which she had read about through a leaflet in her GP surgery.
Rosie talked through her caring situation with an Information Officer, who provided contact details for local care home agencies and suggested other things that could help.
Josie agreed that a blue badge and personal alarm would be useful and was referred to the Pensions Service to claim Attendance Allowance for her mother. Josie said that it would reduce further pressure upon her if her mum would agree to have a befriender.
The care home agency now visits Josie's mum five days as week, which has greatly reduced the pressure off Josie's shoulders. Rachel has agreed to join the volunteer befriender scheme and Josie is considering paying the care agency to also take her mum out now and then. The Pension Service has visited and they are awaiting the outcome.
