How to apply for a PSW for my Father

 Hi VMR_CAN7c6605 

My name is Liz and I am an Information and Support Adviser here at Macmillan.

I am so sorry to hear about your Father.  I can’t imagine how difficult this must be, especially living so far away.  May I ask, how are you and your parents?  I can only imagine you are overwhelmed with worry.  I can appreciate that the level of care at home needs to be right for both of your parents.

You mention a Personal  Support Worker, which I can see would benefit your parents, and give you valuable reassurance from a distance away.   I would suggest that a good pace to start is your Fathers local Adult Social Services team.  This link will give you an overview of their role.  I am not sure if you have Power of Attorney, but, should you contact your Fathers local team, or his GP for a referral, they will check for consent:  I am wondering, is this an enquiry your Mum would be happy to make?  The Social Work team will conduct a Needs Assessment to best understand how they can support day to day living. 

Sometimes, based on the level of support required, there is a need for a financial conversation.   I can understand your concern about funding, and this is such a complex area.  The Social Worker assigned to your Father will walk you through this.  Our Money Team mentioned below may also help with a financial conversation around benefits etc

 VMR_CAN7c6605  another option you may like to explore (if eligible)  is the Marie Curie Companion at home service.   Companion volunteers are available to support anyone living with a terminal illness aged 18 or over and their family. The service is usually only offered for 12 months, typically for people in the last year of life.  I notice from their web page that, at the moment their chat service is experiencing issues, but their email is support@mariecurie.org.uk.  If you are able to call during UK hours 9am to 4pm, the number is 0800 090 2309.  

 VMR_CAN7c6605   of course you are very welcome to come back to this post for additional support, but you may like to live chat with us between the hours of 8am and 8pm UK time.  The webchat service is manned by an Adviser who can help to guide you.  You may also like to call us between 8am and 8pm on +44 207 091 2230. Please note that calls to these numbers are not free when made from phones based outside the UK. 

You may access different teams from the phone line and webchat options; for example, we can support you with a chat about your post above, but also we have Cancer Information Nurses and a Money Team, should you wish to enquire about any benefits your Father may be entitled to. The Information Advice team and the nurses, work every day, whilst the Money Team work Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm.

 VMR_CAN7c6605   I am going to stop posting now, as I may be in danger of overwhelming you.  You may always come back and post again, or, use the “live” options mentioned.

I wish your parents, and indeed you the very best in navigating this challenging time.

Take care and best wishes.

Hello Liz,

Thank you very much for the detailed and helpful information, it's given me a good starting point. I'll also share this information with my father's wife who may be able to call some of the numbers provided.

Thanks again, I appreciate it!

Take Care,

VMR