Benefits, Employment & General Advice
Benefits and General Advice
Disability Living Allowance
This has two parts: mobility and care. These must be claimed before the person with dementia is 65.
Benefits
Benefits Enquiry Line - National free telephone advice and information service
- England, Scotland & Wales phone 0800 882200 8.30am-6.30pm weekdays & 9am-1pm Saturdays.
- Northern Ireland phone 0800 220674, 9am-5pm week-days. Textphone users can ring free on 0800 243355.
You can now download Barton Hill Advice Service’s free guide to claiming disability living allowance (DLA) for adults experiencing mental health problems from http:\www.bhas.org.uk.
The guide includes:
- the 2 minute test to help decide if you are eligible for DLA
- the four step system for completing the claim pack – now adopted by Citizens Advice Scotland for training all new CAB volunteers
- detailed advice on preparing for a medical visit from a Benefits Agency doctor
Also downloadable from the site:
- a detailed Guide to Revisions and Appeals
Attendance Allowance
For people with dementia over 65.
Reduction of Council Tax
Usually 25% if only two people are at home.
Incapacity benefit
For people with dementia who have been working and are no longer able.
Employment
Ideally employers are informed. A diagnosis of dementia should not lead to automatic dismissal or retirement against the persons wishes. Terms and conditions of employment are laid out in the persons work contract but often differ widely. If a diagnosis is obtained after leaving work redress is difficult (though not impossible). Talk to the employer and personnel officer.
Trades Union Congress (TUC), Congress House, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS, tel 0207 636 4030 ask to speak to the policy officer for disability - direct line: 0207 467 1271 - he will advice on employment issues.
Disability Employment Adviser
At local job centre.
Please check
- Medic Alert - Encouraging patients to wear a medical identification bracelet (Medic-Alert) should ensure that they receive rapid and appropriate medical or social care.
- Blue Badge (used to be orange)
- Smoke Alarms
- Secure locks
Local resources should be checked in case of emergencies or sudden deterioration
- Day Care
- Respite Care
- Residential Care: registration of homes depends on whether nursing/psychiatric care is offered. EMI Residential Homes may accept a person with dementia under 65. Health Funded Continuing Care may be available.
Pastimes
Think what this person enjoyed doing in the past.
If the answer is reading but they can no longer read they may still enjoy audio books.
Music can be a great therapy – singing, dancing, activities.
A walkman may focus the sounds. Again think of what they enjoyed in the past – were they in a choir? Did they play an instrument?
Puzzles of all kinds – particularly jigsaws.
Rug-making, gardening, baking – supervision essential.
Walking and swimming are good exercise.
Travel
Make sure that all parties have some awareness of the illness and that certain problems could occur e.g. airlines, coach drivers and tour guides. They will want to know there is going to be adequate supervision. Make sure travel sickness tablets are taken if required. If tablets are prescribed try a dummy run for example a coach trip when one can get off if necessary.
Toilets for the disabled can be a tremendous help. They are mostly locked and a key can be obtained from RADAR tel: 0207 250 3222 - you then follow instructions i.e. press 1 for key scheme 2 for list of key scheme facilities.....etc
Falls
People with dementia are more liable to fall over. Specialist advice can be obtained from an occupation therapist or physiotherapist. Ensure there is adequate lighting in corridors, dim lights can be plugged into wall sockets near the floor. Make certain rugs are not slippery or rucked up. Check that the person with dementias shoes are appropriate and fit properly.
If someone falls make them comfortable until they are orientated and able to help themselves stand. Take care of your own back.
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