Search

Adaptations can range in scale and cost. It might be as small as fixing an intercom or as large as an extension to the home. Your local social care team may give financial support for minor adaptations. You may also be entitled to financial help with more major adaptations via a Disabled Facilities Grant. Go to Funding end of life care for more information. Things to think about Make sure the equipment works not just for the person but also for you. Carers UK has a room by room guide on types of equipment that may or may not help. Any decisions about equipment and adaptations also… and handle the person safely. Explore with the person you care for if it is realistic to provide appropriate treatment and care in the home and what impact the necessary equipment, technology, and adaptations might have on their home environment. …

Whilst the person you care for is still able to swallow, tablets or liquid medicine will continue to be prescribed by their GP. If the person wishes you to help administer their medication then make sure you are giving the medicines at the right time of day. If you are giving them at the wrong time, then they could not work properly or there could be side effects. Check if the medicines should be taken with food or in between meals. If you know the person is going to have to pay for a lot of NHS prescriptions, it may be cheaper to buy a prescription ‘season ticket’ referred to as a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC). A PPC will cover all NHS prescriptions, including NHS dental prescriptions, no matter how many items the person needs. This doesn’t include other health costs, such as the provision of wigs and fabric supports . There are two PCC options to choose from: A 3…

if it helps to distract the person or focus the person’s energies elsewhere and this can prevent the person from displaying challenging behaviours. If their behaviour puts them or someone else at risk then intervene as calmly as possible. If you’re finding it hard to cope with the behaviour…

The person you care for may have spiritual needs that are just as important as their physical needs. These may not be religious concerns as such but might include finding meaning in one’s life and ending disagreements with others. The person might find peace by resolving unsettled issues with friends or family. Visits from a social care worker or counsellor may help with this. However, the person you care for may find comfort in their faith. Praying, talking with someone from one’s religious community (such as a minister, priest, rabbi, or imam), reading religious texts, or listening to religious music may bring comfort. An outline of spiritual and religious practices (PDF) relating to end of life care and different faiths. Things to think about Talk to the person about the importance of your relationship with them. If caring for a parent you may want to share how they have…

but that isn’t always the case. This might be, for example, because the person you care for has dementia and their ability to remember information differs from one day to the next. The person you care for might also have the capacity to make some decisions but not others. They might have…

them make their own decision. This will be important, for example, if the person has a sensory impairment, if their first language is not English, or if they have a learning disability and would benefit from information being given in an easy to read format or pictures. We must also avoid assuming…

for to set up an LPA(s). They must give informed consent free from pressure for the LPA to be valid. You should find out whether the person you care for has previously made an Advance Decision to Refuse Treatment (also known as an “ADRT” or ‘living will’). Although you can have both an ADRT…

in their family. It is possible to make an emergency application where a person’s life expectancy is very short or to execute a will. You can also make such an application if the person you care for needs urgent medical treatment or you want to prevent them from being removed from the place where… further advice from a solicitor before going ahead. There are ongoing duties and responsibilities beyond making the application that you will be expected to carry out. The application process can be long and you should take into account the fact that a decision can take weeks, sometimes several months. If urgent, consider making an emergency application. You will also need to pay a court fee, although in many cases this will come from the finances of the person you care for but you should check this out with the court. It is possible to get exemptions or reductions depending on the person’s…

on what is appropriate, see How to change a will . Once a Will has been made it is important to store it in a safe place for example with your solicitor or bank, safely stored at home, or with the Probate Registry. Make sure the person you care for informs the executor(s) where their will is kept…

is to deal with the assets according to the settlors’ wishes as set out in the ‘Trust Deed’ or their will. They will also manage the trust on a day to day basis, decide how to invest or use the Trust’s assets and pay any tax due. The beneficiary is the person who benefits from the Trust. There can be more than one beneficiary, like a whole family or a group of people. They may benefit from the income of the trust only, or the capital only when reaching a certain age, or both the income and capital of the trust. Things to think about The person you care for may wish to consider setting up… as the tax implications. They can also talk to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on someone’s behalf subject to being given permission More detailed information about trusts and sources of support. Help is also available from the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners . …