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Social care - advice please

Hopeless

I currently have a support worker through a local disability charity but it seems they’re struggling for funding and this may (probably) become time limited. I’d like to use my PIP to access similar support but I have no idea how to do this. I will ask my support worker for help with this next time I see her. Today I’ve just been processing this news.

My current support worker acts pretty much in a befriender capacity. Physically I can look after myself but mentally I struggle and need someone to encourage me and talk me down from extreme anxiety when I get something stuck in my head. They also take me to appointments, help with phoning places, deal with official letters.

Any advice, experiences etc would be great.

Thank you

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Kimi87

The thing that came to mind is you finding a PA (Personal Assistant)

https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/resources/being-control-getting-personal-assistants-pas

You could also ask for a Needs Assessment

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/help-from-social-services-and-charities/getting-a-needs-assessment/

If they feel you don't quite fit their remit, they can still help by signposting you elsewhere.

Hopeless

I had looked at that but being an employer with all it entails is beyond me. Some home care companies seem to offer companionship. Would that be the way to go?

Kimi87

That's certainly something to look at, as you say less complex 😊

Holly_Alumni

Hi @Hopeless sorry to hear about your local charity's situation. That's a shame. I can see @Kimmy87 has given you a few links. I've added another below which may be helpful too. It has some links to local authority support etc.

About social care - Mind

I hope you're able to get some support. Don't forget you've got the community here too if you ever want to chat. 🙂

Best wishes,

Holly.

Hopeless

Thank you - it is a nightmare trying to get mental health support these days. Nearly everything has shut and what is left is time limited and heavily gate keepered. Because I’m quiet and don’t cause much mayhem I get side-lined. I come under the severe and enduring category but was discharged back to my GP as there’s no further treatment they can offer. My GP is brilliant but obviously only has so much time she can give me. I don’t expect to be ‘cured’ but having had this support worker for the last year has shown me what a difference can be made to my quality of life.

Holly_Alumni

Oh I can imagine @Hopeless! These support systems are really important. I hope you can get something sorted with at least one of these options. Please keep us updated on your progress, and how you're doing (if you're happy to of course).

smokey18

Hello hopeless- I am sorry to hear that you are feeling that way. I came across this leaflet the other day when I was looking for support and advice. I don’t know if this would be useful for you. The website is is: www.extra-help.org. Uk

I hope you find the support that you want and need soon. Until recently I used my pip to pay for a p.a to assist me so i think you should be able to do that too. All the best to you.

Hopeless

Update: I met with my local area coordinator today to ask for help in finding a support worker/PA that I would pay for with my PIP. It turns out that she can fulfil this role herself for free and in the long term! I feel very relieved and extremely lucky

Holly_Alumni

That's great news @Hopeless 🙌 I bet you're ecstatic! So pleased for you. 😀