Hi all
I'm currently doing an MA in Social Work and need some advice on a personal matter, unrelated to my MA but related to social work!!
My boyfriend's Mum has primary progressive MS and her husband, who was her full time carer has just left her. She phoned social services who have just done an assessment, 3 weeks later. The social worker who did the assessment told her that she was only 'moderate to severe' and not eligible for support. Bearing in mind this is a woman who cannot walk unaided, has had numerous falls (once being taken off in an ambulance on a spinal board) and lives in a rural area and is unable to drive. She was also told that even if she was eligible she would only be entitled to an hour a day and would have to pay £14 for this, as she earned over £60 a week (the family run a holiday home business).
Now, there are various reasons why I don't think this is right at all!!!
1) She definitely does not just have a 'moderate' disability, though can see that she may have played down her difficulties so as not to lose face.
2) I was under the impression that the income assessments was not based on earnings but on capital (of which nothing is solely in her name i.e. property/savings)
3) If she did have a full time carer, how can she now not be entitled to anything?! Just because this was her husband it shouldn't matter.
4) From what I've heard, I don't think the social worker carried out a full assessment, though I need some advice on what assessment she should have had.
The social worker told her that she would try and argue her case with her manager but there probably wasn't any point.
I'm going to try and speak to the social worker who carried out the assessment and get a copy of it, then write a letter arguing the case and why she should get support. I'll refer to the Fair Access to Care Services document but any advice would be greatly appreciated. Do you think she is entitled to support?
I wonder if it is relevant to ask why her husband left, Wonder if he was finding it impossible to cope. Has your BF spoken to his dad? Maybe his dad just could not cope any longer. Your BF needs to talk to his dad.