Carers assessment, and applying for pip for myself

TinaClarke

Hi,

I am a carer for my disabled hubbie, who amongst a host of things is on dialysis, which is the major problem of the moment.

In June I fell and broke my right shoulder, and my daughter had to come every day and help out for three weeks till I could get around without too much pain and just use my left arm. I found out after a dexa scan the reason I broke it, I now have oestopina. (bones are more fragile) which is the reason it broke in four places and I now have limited movement, which was always going to be the case with this break the doctor said, and its more problamtic to have an operation, it could make me worst off, so they didn't want to do it.

I don't know how to drive and because this was just before he had emergency dialysis and then onto dialysis I had to cut my shoulder physio classes short. Because he was too ill to take me and it cost too much to get there.

Amongst other health things I was having trouble with symtoms like my vit b 12 deficency, which also affected my brain, and made me foggy and not able to make decisions, and not able to remember names of things.. this improved quite a bit, but I'm not back 100%.

This alongside a neurological disorder I am waiting on a list to get assessed for as well, with which my husband helps me understand things. But that should still be about another year.

Anyway with all this I was thinking I should apply for pip myself…but I help hubbie I wash him and put creams on and do all the cooking and cleaning and go with him to hospital appointments, his conditions made him foggy but now the toxins are being taken out of his blood he is back to being alert but still in pain and I'm left to arrange everything, which is fine, but it stresses me out. (I have high blood pressure too)

So I am asking does anyone think its worth the hassle of the pip form…and will it impact my care for him pip wise…i know there is not supposed to be crossover. I am worried about that.

I also have arthrtis which is getting worst in my legs and I'm now afraid of falling and breaking something so i use his mobility scooter to go to the local shops…and I use a stick when things are bad with my knees. Pip is about how things affect you…and I am affected..I just carry on with the pain and manage.

Hence I was thinking of asking for a carers assesment to see if I could get help or help with reducing stress…or whatever.

So basically if you got through all that ramble (sorry), I'm hesitating about trying for pip (mainly because i don't want it to affect my carers, but I have to be realistic in that hubby is not in the best of health, my pension is due in nov, and one has to already be claiming pip before state pension age. The carers assesment, I'm unsure If I should be using those resources….

I'm really sorry this is chaotic…let me know If i need to redo this post. I'm not sure if i should post this, but I need to ask this somewhere.

thanks Tina

Mary_Scope

Hi @TinaClarke

I understand it sounds like you're going through a very challenging time, juggling multiple health issues of your own while caring for your husband.

Based on what you've described, it sounds like Pip is definitely worth applying for. PIP isn't just about the diagnosis itself, but how it affects your ability to carry out daily tasks and mobility so since you're already using a mobility scooter and a stick, and experiencing pain that impacts your daily life, you meet the criteria.

PIP is non-means tested and is awarded based on your own needs, not your husband's so it also won't affect any Carer's Allowance he receives or the support he gets. Your PIP claim is entirely separate from his.

It also definitely sounds like you would benefit from a carer's assessment and I really recommend applying for one! They can be a great way to open doors for support for you as a carer.

A carer's assessment is designed to look at your needs as a carer. You can discuss the challenges you're facing, the impact on your own health and wellbeing and identify any support that could be available to you. This could include things like respite care, help with household tasks, or even just someone to talk to. It's separate from any assessments your husband has and is just for you.

Hope this was helpful, please reach out if you have any questions or would like further support.