Welfare Rights Service (WRS)

Client C requested a visit for herself and her elderly parents, who are both in their eighties. Her mother insisted on trying to shop independently, although she was particularly prone to falls.  If she fell at home, her husband was unable to lift her up.  Even though the client was herself in very poor health, she was the sole carer for her parents and had to make a round trip of ten miles each day by public transport to care for them.  This left her physically and emotionally exhausted, from the effort and anxiety of caring for her parents.

Client C’s parents had always been resistant to asking for outside help, but when the WRS home visitor explained to them that they could ask for care services at home without compromising their independence, they agreed to be referred for an occupational therapy assessment.  The Home Visitor also helped both of them to claim Attendance Allowance and Pension Credit, which would make a considerable difference to their income.  The Home Visitor advised their daughter about applying for respite care and referred her to the Local Solutions Carers Project and also helped her appeal against her Housing Benefit overpayment.