Now the Relatives Association wants to
add to its information on special needs of carers, and it needs your help. If you are a
carer, and would like to contribute your views or
any special information, contact Julia Burton-Jones, Groups in Homes Project Leader, The
Relatives and Residents Association,
24 The Ivories, 6-18 Northampton Street, London, N1 2HY
Email: Advice@relres.org
Tel: 020 7359 8148
Advice line: 020 7359 8136
Web: www.relres.org
New allowances for carers
The Invalid Care Allowance is now extended to people
over the age of 65 who care for a minimum of 35 hours a week. This only applies when the dependent person is
receiving attendance allowance or disability living allowance at the middle or higher
rate.
The ruling came into existence in October 2002, and an
estimated 10,000 older carers will benefit from a further change which will allow them to
claim the allowance for 8 weeks after the death of the person they were looking after.
Choosing long-term options
 Anyone needing guidance through the bewildering choice of
long-term care options is invited to contact the Help the Aged Care Fees Advice service. The free, impartial care fees advice service is
designed to help older people, their families and friends find the best way of funding
their care needs for life, whilst protecting their savings and capital as far as possible.
This expert advice is available to anyone concerned with paying for long term care for an
older person, regardless of their means.
A care fees adviser can prepare a tailored care fees
payment plan report, giving details of possible payment/care scenarios and recommending a
range of investments and policies to help pay for it. The
service also provides information on choosing a care home, local authority procedures and
entitlements to state welfare benefits, plus legal and tax issues.
For further information, please contact Help the Aged
Care Fees Advice service on freephone 0500 76 74 76.
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