what criteria do you need to be a carer for your parent?

Question

My mother is is 83 years old, she has had a hip replacement and cateracts rmoved but is in fairly good health otherwise. She lives on her own but my sister lives close by. We have decded that although I live further away from her, I should be her carer as my sister has a full time job that includes some very weird shift patterns. What would I need to do and does she have to be disabled to have a carer?

I am in Bridgend in South Wales

Answer 1

You are a very good and caring person. You don't need any qualifications to look after her.

You will be saving the government lots of money by looking after your mother, so be sure to claim the pittance to which you are entitled:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/CaringForSomeone/MoneyMatters/DG_10012522

EDIT: and make sure you keep in touch with social services so you can get any help you need, including respite care. If you email me the area your mum lives in I'll get back to you with the relevant department.

Answer 2

You don't need any qualifications at all since you are family. First of all, your mother is probably entitled to a carers' allowance on top of her pension and benefits - make sure she is getting that. You may have to visit her doctor with her so that the doctor registers her as disabled anyway, so you can get a disabled pass for your car to take her out. You may also be entitled to some carers benefit if you are unable to work due to caring for your mother.
You may want to contact social services and advise them that you are her primary carer, in case of any emergencies (if, for instance, an ambulance was called in the night). Get them down, anyway, for an evaluation of what services they can provide like a stairlift or handholds - you are entitled to this.
But, no, you don't need to advise anyone if you don't want to.
Good luck, I know how hard this can be. But the best care is the care given by a family member, as it is done with love and trust. Best wishes,

Answer 3

My mother-in-law lives with my wife and I, ultimately that's the best situation for the person that needs to be taken care of. I know it can be hard having your living situation change so dramatically, but that is the point of being a care giver you need to be around to do the caring. Taking care of an older person is much more difficult than say a child, at least with a child they will listen to you (if you are a good parent) with adult care it can be a serious struggle because you may be dealing with someone who at one time had some type of status, especially if they were your parent. But it can also be very satisfying you can feel good knowing you are doing a good thing, and you will bond a lot with this person you are taking care of. Anyway good luck and God bless. I will say a little prayer for you.

Answer 4

The only thing necessary is for the person to want to do it. If you want to be the care-giver then all you need is the desire to do so, and the willingness to learn how to do the things that are necessary to do.
Go to an attorney with your mother and have her make her wishes known. You could become her power of attorney which means that you will have the say over what happens if she is unable to specify her wishes (due to dementia or inability to speak, which could occur at some point). It is best to have one appointed person. Since you are willing to take this on, and you seem to have the better schedule for it, you are the best candidate. It is also best if you and your mother make these decisions before anything happens that would render her unable to make them.
Good luck

Answer 5

If your mum cannot look after herself then she needs a carer - you don't need any qualifications to be her carer. I think it is very good of you to care for your mum

EDIT: Contact social services number below they will help guide you

Bridgend County Social Services - Homecare
24 Victoria Av
Porthcawl
CF36 3HG
[phone]

Answer 6

You could take a six week cna class, so you can learn any shift in vital signs, how to move an elderly person, basically what is required in taking care of someon who is likely to fall ILL rather quickly or is ill ( certified Nursing assistant) then you could qualify to get paid by Social security,
But mostly a Lot of Love is required

Answer 7

love is the main point the local social service will give the best advice as areas vary and normally very helpful good luck

Answer 8

if your willing to do it then it seems thats the way the government likes it you will save them thousands in carers costs by doing it for free