Hi, my name is Emma_Henry! Advice needed for disabled mum

Emma_Henry

Hi there, I am new here and hoping to find out how to get some help for my Mum. She's had a terrible few years, and currently has severely restricted mobility on top of bladder cancer, depression, hypertension and severe breathlessness. She has osteoarthritis in both knees and is awaiting knee replacements, most recently it's got so bad that she struggles to walk to the bathroom and can no longer cook fresh meals as she's unable to stand up for any length of time. It's severely restricting her quality of life and she's currently sinking into a depression. I am doing everything I can to support her, but I'm no expert at understanding what other help might be available and thought this forum would be a good place to start. So far, we have: 

• Obtained a Blue Badge for when I drive her to appointments etc.
• Requested an occupational therapist visit from our local authority (I believe this is how we can potentially access a disabled facilities grant as we need to replace her bathroom as she can no longer climb into the over-the-bath shower, also potentially a wheelchair)
• Registered her as Disabled with our local authority
• Tomorrow we're seeing the doctor to appeal for her knee replacement operation to be expedited

We're in the process of completing the monster 30-page Attendance Allowance forms too. 

Grateful for any pearls of wisdom you can share around our situation.

Many thanks, 

Emma
x

Kimi87

Some suggestions that come to mind are-

Have a key safe fitted to the outside of her home so people such as carers can gain access, paramedics in an emergency etc. 

Get advice from local welfare rights or Macmillian on how to best fill in the AA form, they are experts on what wording is right and prompting you to include things that are normal for you both, but not normal to anyone else. 

https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/get-help

Does your local area have a meals on wheels service?

https://www.gov.uk/meals-home

Hiring a cleaner and gardener might help Mum feel better about her living environment, and provides some company for her. 

Emma_Henry

That's great advice Kimmy - will look into all of those suggestions, thank you