Home instead assistance for carers

There are a variety of benefits that might apply to you, as a Carer so it is worth investigating some of the following.
Carers Allowance:  This is a means tested payment to people who are looking after someone who is in need of support because of age, physical or learning disability or illness.  It is mainly aimed at carers on low incomes who live with and look after certain people who need full-time care and attention.  You will also qualify for the Household Benefits Package and a Free Travel Pass.
Carer’s Benefit:  This is a payment made to insured persons in Ireland who leave the workforce to care for a person in need of full-time care and attention.  You can get Carer’s Benefit for a total of 104 weeks for each person being cared for.
Carer’s Leave:  This allows employees to leave their employment temporarily for a period of up to 104 weeks to provide full-time care for people in need of full-time care and attention.  The leave will be unpaid but those who propose to avail of Carer’s Leave will have their jobs kept open for them for the duration of the leave.
Respite Care Grant:  This is an annual payment made to carers.  Carers can use the grant in whatever way they wish.  You can use the grant to pay for respite care if you wish, but is not necessary to do so.  The grant is paid automatically to people receiving Carer’s Allowance or Carer’s Benefit.   
Information on all of the above is available on www.welfare.ie.
Claiming benefits can be complicated and time consuming, so it’s worth getting expert help and advice from;
A social worker from your local Health Office
A housing welfare officer from your local authority
Your citizens information service.  LoCall 1980 777 121
Your local social welfare office
The leaflet request line in the Department of Social Protection. LoCall 1980 20 23 25
On line at www.hse.ie
Your local Home Instead Senior Care Office can provide a friendly, professional  Caregiver to assist with all daily living needs as well as personal care, long and short term care, Dementia care, post-operative and hospital discharge, Palliative care, medication reminders and local transportation for appointments.

Please visit with us at our offices at Marlinstown Office Park, Mullingar or telephone us on 044 93 85260.   We look forward to speaking with you.  Website :  www. Homeinstead.ie