Tracy

[Nursechel]

Hi

This is a 1 st time post . My mum has PSP , diagnosed 5 years ago along with stage 5 dementia . She is 82 . My Dad has been caring for her until she totally declined . She came into a care home for respite . £1600 per week and is now virtually bedridden , 2 people are needed to get her out of bed etc , she has not lost the ability to tell us she needs to go the toilet , again 2 people and barely wakes . She has lost all the ability to feed herself , so is fed by myself , Dad or the staff . We have had to keep extending the respite package but the home has said she needs to be moved to a specialist dementia home as they now need a hoist and 24 hour supervision which they can’t provide . . This new place will be around £1600 per week too . My Dad cannot continue to pay this . It is impossible to have her at home as there is not the set up and Dad is 82 with chronic COPD . I was assuming she would be eligible for CHC as she is so bad , but reading posts I am now unsure . Any advice greatly appreciated . Thankyou

[Millidog]

Hi, so sorry to read about you mum. Could I suggest that you first ring the PSPA Helpline to get some advice they will be able to explain the CHC process and have some very useful documents on their website,do look at those for carers but also importantly for health professionals as I know there is one about PSP and CHC that contains useful info on providing evidence. They can also talk you through social services care if mum would be eligible , also the difference between that and chc which doesnt take into account saving etc Secondly google CHC and you'll find NHS info- download the CHC framework and information on the checklist which is stage 1 and and the DST which is 2nds stage uf they accept 1st ots good idea to read through fully and then assess your mum against the criteria noting evidence and examples and if you think she has a chance then apply. It's good if you have health professionals who are involved on your mum's care I your corner as they can often help with the application. Look on Beacon and Care to be Different websites which have lots of info. Be prepared to put lots of work in as the more you understand the process the better, the fact that you have to evidence in detail primary health care needs not just assume award of chc based on illness, and the need to have detailed examples the better and more chance of getting it if you ir your ad don't keep a diary of accidents, illness mobility issues cognitive challenges etc etc I wouldn't to Starr now. It's worth doing a search for chc on this site and you'll find lots of past posts with relevant info especially from Kevin 1. I appreciate it all sounds and is very daunting but worth it in the end. Once you have a little understanding of chc come back here anytime ad I amd many others are here to help with specific questions and qdvice. Hope this helps a little Gx

[Millidog]

Sorry I tend to reply to posts on the hoof and mistype often.. so my original post should read "do keep a diary" xx