Finding Carers for University — Scope | Disability forum
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Finding Carers for University

FranH14
FranH14 Community member Posts: 6 Connected
edited January 2020 in Education
Hi, I'm Fran I have triplegic CP and am going to university in September 2020, hopefully an hour away from home. I will need help showering, dressing and likely cooking. I’ve researched different care agencies but am feeling very overwhelmed and abandoned by my council. Any care agency recommendations from fellow disabled people? I know I need to apply for DSA for other disability-related costs. I still have not been given a needs-based assessment for care, despite promises from a social worker that she would arrange one with my Local authority council before 2020. I'm on track with grades, offers and other preparations but feel that finding the right carers is the main thing holding me back. Any tips? All advice is very much appreciated. 

Comments

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 53,359 Disability Gamechanger
    HI and welcome,

    I'm one of the community champions here on scope and i'm here to help and advise others.

    To be assessed in the area you live now you can refer yourself for a needs assessment by clicking on this link. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/help-from-social-services-and-charities/getting-a-needs-assessment/

    When you're assessed in the area you live now this will not be transferred to the new area once you move and you will need another needs assessment in that area. All local councils have their own criteria and any care plan will not be transferred from one council to another but any care/support you receive before you move will continue to be paid by your existing local council for 6 weeks after you move.

    I'm afraid i won't be able to give you any recommendations for care companies because it will depend which area you're planning on moving to. My advice closer to the time will be to do some google searches of that area to see what's available.

    Good luck.



    I would appreciate it if members wouldn't tag me please. I have all notifcations turned off and wouldn't want a member thinking i'm being rude by not replying.
    If i see a question that i know the answer to i will try my best to help.
  • steve51
    steve51 Community member Posts: 7,153 Disability Gamechanger
    Hi @FranH14

    Good Morning & Welcome ?

    Wow it’s great to read your positive outlook.

    I  have put some info below for you.

    https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/university-funding-disabled-students

    @steve51
  • FranH14
    FranH14 Community member Posts: 6 Connected
    Thank yo @poppy123456 I did not know self-referral was an option and will try to do this as soon as I can with my Dad. I already have a care package for daily home living, so will it be the university local authority (Warwickshire) I self-refer to create a new care plan? As I am currently happy with my home plan in Northampton. 
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 53,359 Disability Gamechanger
    edited January 2020
    As you already have a care plan where you're living now then there's no need to refer yourself.

    As you're not starting uni for another 9 months then closer to the time you'll need to speak to your social worker who will transfer your care plan to your new local council but you will still need to have another needs assessment once you've moved.

    The good news is that you will not be left without care once you do move.
    I would appreciate it if members wouldn't tag me please. I have all notifcations turned off and wouldn't want a member thinking i'm being rude by not replying.
    If i see a question that i know the answer to i will try my best to help.
  • FranH14
    FranH14 Community member Posts: 6 Connected
    Okay thank you for the clarification @poppy123456 I will do this nearer the time.

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 53,359 Disability Gamechanger
    You're welcome :)
    I would appreciate it if members wouldn't tag me please. I have all notifcations turned off and wouldn't want a member thinking i'm being rude by not replying.
    If i see a question that i know the answer to i will try my best to help.
  • FranH14
    FranH14 Community member Posts: 6 Connected
    Thank you @steve51 I found the information about DSA useful.
  • steve51
    steve51 Community member Posts: 7,153 Disability Gamechanger
    Hi @FranH14

    That’s Great News?

    Please please let me know if you need any further help????

    @steve51
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 53,359 Disability Gamechanger
    If you're claiming any means tested benefits such as Income Related ESA or Universal Credit then any student loans you receive will affect those benefits. PIP/DLA will not be affected.
    I would appreciate it if members wouldn't tag me please. I have all notifcations turned off and wouldn't want a member thinking i'm being rude by not replying.
    If i see a question that i know the answer to i will try my best to help.
  • Adrian_Scope
    Adrian_Scope Posts: 10,821 Scope online community team
    Hello @FranH14 and a warm welcome to the community!

    What are you looking to study? I'm glad Poppy and Steve were able to help with your query and wish you the very best with your studies. You'll have to let us know how you get on. :)
    Community Manager
    Scope
  • Chloe_Scope
    Chloe_Scope Posts: 10,586 Disability Gamechanger
    Welcome to the community @FranH14, please do let us know how you get on. :)
    Scope

  • forgoodnesssake
    forgoodnesssake Community member Posts: 500 Pioneering
    Hi, just in case it is relevant, if you are a student who goes home in the vacations you are still basically classed as living in your original local authority area.  My son is at Uni in another area but as he is home here for about 5 months of the year his care package comes from here.  We have also not moved GP etc for various reasons of complexity.  And don't expect much from DSA!  A few bits of computer equipment is about as much as you can hope for unless you have VERY complex and specific academic support needs (like a signer).  My son has quad CP, no speech, power chair user and needs support with all physical tasks and personal care and he only gets a few bits of kit and software (but actually cos of the very prescriptive nature of DSA and the specialised nature of son;s needs we have had to fund more than half of his specialised equipment) plus one hour per week of a mentor!
  • Chloe_Scope
    Chloe_Scope Posts: 10,586 Disability Gamechanger
    In line with what @forgoodnesssake has said, here are some articles I have written about preparing for university which includes DSA:
    Scope

  • FranH14
    FranH14 Community member Posts: 6 Connected
    Thank you Chloe
  • FranH14
    FranH14 Community member Posts: 6 Connected
    Thank you for sharing your experiences @forgoodnesssake.

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