Help during chemo

Hi - there are a lot of different options likely available here. I absolutely can't advise – don't think anyone on here can – because there can be so many knock on impacts between benefits and individual circumstances vary a lot. Yours sounds a tough one.

a) Macmillan have specialist advisers

b) you got Carers UK and also sometimes as in our area there is a local specialist Carers Organisation who can also advise.

c) have you considered PIP for yourself during that period?

d) are there going to be knock-on effects re Carers Allowance if you can't make the hours – assuming you are getting Carers Allowance?

e) Does your son's care budget needs urgent re-assessment (usually via Social Services) to cover what you will now need to buy in? If he doesn't have one, then his needs are going to need re-examining if you can't provide essential needs.

There are often local grants from cancer charities etc and other sources but depending on what you are getting if getting care benefits sometimes those have to be declared and actually it doesn't help in the way it should (specialist Macmillan people should be able to answer questions like that). Not sure how things can vary if only a short-term need (where discretionary grants etc) – am sorry not to be able to advise at all. This is really very complex, however.

My own experience is for a different situation regarding a relative's care. I didn't find it easy to navigate things personally. It's easier when you just have your own care needs. I had to have an assessment as well as the person I was caring for. It was not straightforward.

Not sure that helps at all. Sending hugs. xx

Sorry if my reply sounds a bit OTT – I think you were asking more about just some extra home help and I wouldn't know the answer to that in your area, but also there is the angle of not knowing your son's needs as that can affect risk and other assessments. I'm adding in an extra line to say there may also be the option of your son having respite care so that you don't have to provide it – so you just get a break for this period. Again, I don't know your circumstances. People's can vary so much. Just throwing some thoughts out there so you can think about things from many angles. At times like this there is always a focus on emergency plans – checking those are in place, up-to-date etc so if you had a reaction to anything your son's care would immediately be picked up etc. 

Hi Knittynanna

-Have you spoken to your CNS/Macmillan Support worker at your hospital to see what is available?

-Has your doctor's surgery got a Village Agent attached to it? If not there will be someone who can direct you to where you can get some help. At mine there are volunteers who can help out with things like shopping. 

-It maybe worth contacting the Red Cross as they can sometimes offer tailored support. Get help | British Red Cross

-I would recommend giving the Support Line a call They will be able to look at your circumstances and see whether there is anything you can claim, They can also have a look in your local area for you to see what is available. 

Hope this helps a bit. I had chemo myself and some days you can feel quite rough and other days not too bad at all. But you will need rest and support so it's a great idea to try to plan ahead.

Jane

Thank you Jane,I will give the support line a ring 

Thank you Rosalind,I'll be ringing the support line tomorrow  xx