Help with travel/hotel costs

Meggle 2019-03-10 12:27:02 UTC #1

Just wondering if anyone can offer any advice. My brother has been in a residential home is Swansea since 2004, we live in Birmingham. My parents visit every 4-6 weeks but they are now 68 & 65.

We have worked out that since he moved they have spent approximately £30,000 on travel costs and accommodation. It’s never really been a problem until recently however they only have their pensions now.

At the time the home was the only one available for his needs and although we have looked at moving him closer to home several times they were ruled out by family and his carers.

This is now causing a strain on finances for my parents as dad can no longer spend 10 hours a day driving so overnight is necessary.

Does anybody know if their is any help they could apply for towards costs?

Many thanks

Frumpy 2019-03-11 09:22:31 UTC #2

Hello @Meggle

That is a very long drive - no wonder your mum and dad need to stay over. I can see why that is a big strain on their fixed incomes too.

Your parents are carers so it might be worth seeing if they have a Carers Centre nearby. Have a look here: https://carers.org/

Carers Centres usually have someone who knows about this sort of thing.

There are also charities that support carers - https://carers.org/article/charities-support-carers.

My only other thought is Turn2us which can you help search for grants.

Let us know if you have any joy.

cheers

frances_is_a_sibling 2019-03-11 09:26:53 UTC #3

Hi @Meggle welcome to the family hub.

I am a sibling too - my brother has severe learning disabilities and my parents are also in their 60s. It must be hard seeing the strain on your parents - financially and physically (with all the driving) - you just want them to be safe, financially secure and comfortable, and to be able to see your brother regularly. You may have already tried this - but you can search for extra grants and funding via www.turn2us.org.uk

I’m also wondering if there could be support from your brother’s local adult social care department for this - because it could be argued that it’s in his best interests to be able to see his parents regularly, and may come under his own social wellbeing needs?

You could contact Sibs to talk this through further, or the Mencap Learning Disability Helpline

Sibs - the UK charity for brothers and sisters of disabled children and adults

Contact - https://www.sibs.org.uk/contact/

Learning Disability Helpline
0808 808 1111
or email helpline@mencap.org.uk

Hope this helps and do keep in touch and let us know how it goes. There are a lot of siblings out there in your position - you’re not alone.
All the best,
Frances

SarahL 2019-04-05 08:44:09 UTC #4

hello @Meggle

Did you manage to find any help with travel/hotel costs for your parents?

Please bear in mind that you our free Learning Disability Helpline - 0808 808 1111 might also be able to help.

You can also email helpline@mencap.org.uk.

Best wishes
Sarah

SarahL 2019-04-24 16:33:28 UTC #5

Dear @Meggle

I have been in touch with our helpline about this. Ingrid (Information and Advice Officer) said this:

You can contact the organisations below, they offer grants and may be helpful to you.

You can contact the learning disability helpline on 0808 808 1111 if you would like to discuss this further.

Kind regards,

Ingrid
Information and Advice Officer
The Learning Disability Helpline

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