Direct Payments Assessment Next Week

jenzie06

Anyone had any experience?

I'm trying to organise help for me for after the baby is born (next month eek!). I've been in touch with the disabled parents network who were really helpful.
I've just spoken to my appointed social worker who sounded really nice and she's coming round next week to ask a bunch of questions to work out my eligibility. But she said that they only do personal care not help with shopping with the baby etc. I can't undo the car seat without a baby in it let alone with one!
I've been told that they do help with shopping/cleaning/trips out etc as well as care but I'm finding it slightly difficult to get through to the council.

Any suggestions?

woodbon

Hello, Good luck with the baby, when it comes! When I worked in the community as a carrer, we had so many things we could do and things we couldn't it got silly. Around here they are just starting up a scheme that is suppossed to help families. They have recruited a team of helpers who will go in and help people who have problems looking after their children, I don't know what they offer or how many areas are covered by similar schemes but I would have thought their must be something. Have you rung social services? Good luck.
Love Sue

jenzie06

Thansk for the reply. This assessment is through social services - adult social care. It's difficult as whenever I ring up I tend to be told different things including they only do personal care, which I know they don't (even says it on their website!).

Will keep my fingers crossed, they may have other suggestions.

cutieclaire

Hello,

I think Direct payments are a fantastic thing and it will do lots of good.

I am training to be a Social Worker and I visited a few people who were young and had Direct payments.

Her money was not just for direct care but taking one person to the cinema, shopping, visiting groups etc. This wasnt just helping her but also her family.

If I find any more info I will let you know.

I would fight with them on the groups of your mental health care as arthritis can indeed have an influence on your energy, physical and emothional, so getting out and about will be a great relief sometimes

Hope it oks ok and good luck with baby.

Love Claire xxxxxxx

tkachev

I got direct payments after my daughter was born six years ago.It was really to pay towards a carer for the basic necesseties,such as showering,dressing and getting dressed. I got allocated 10 and a half hours per week but I was hardly able to stand up in those days.
I was allowed to pay for ironing to be done and someone to accompany me out and about-to a social club or similar-but didnt feel able to do that.
They are really clamping down now.They used to allow a carer to go shopping for or with you but that has now stopped in our area and help the aged and similar cover those things.
I would ask for help with showering,dressing etc then when you get a carer they can help you with the baby instead!
I am expecting my hours to be reduced this year as I am better now.
Take care and PM me if you need to know more.
Elizabeth

tkachev

You also employ a carer of your choice and have to pay them by cheque(from a seperate bank account set up for this purpose) with a payroll company to assist you.You have to keep records and pay tax and N.I if applicable but worry about that stuff later.
My son gets direct payments too and I pay a carer to take him out once a week-on methotrexate day cos that really makes you feel bad and unable to cope.I can pay for him to go to a club in the school holidays but it isnt really enough to cover very much.
They will be concerned with you and your health issues.They prob wont give you help to care for the baby specifically but get as much help as you can and therefor as many hours as you can by showing how limited your ability to do basic things is.

Best wishes
Elizabeth-again.