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Claiming Severely Mentally Impaired Council Tax Reductions

The law states to qualify, someone must be medically certified as being ‘severely mentally impaired’ – defined as having “a severe impairment of intelligence and social functioning (however caused) which appears to be permanent”.

This is a medical diagnosis in itself, but the underlying cause could be a condition such as dementia (including Alzheimer’s), severe learning difficulties, or something else. It’s important to note that having an underlying condition does not automatically mean a person is ‘severely mentally impaired’ (SMI).

If someone is diagnosed as SMI, they can be ‘disregarded for council tax purposes’ in England.

If you or someone you live with is diagnosed as SMI, this means you can claim:

  1. A 100% discount – if you’re diagnosed as SMI and live alone, you shouldn’t be paying any council tax at all.
  2. A 25% discount – if you live with someone who’s SMI and no other adults, or only adults who have also been disregarded for council tax purposes, in effect you get a single person’s discount. But when claiming, specify you require a discount because you are living with someone who is severely mentally impaired.

No discount applies if you are diagnosed as SMI but you live with two or more adults who are eligible to pay council tax. As there are two or more full council-tax paying adults, they are not eligible for the single person’s council tax discount.

To qualify for the reduction, not only does the person have to be medically certified as being SMI, but they also must be eligible for .North Tyneside Council won’t award SMI discount without the customer being in receipt of the qualifying disability benefit

In England and Wales you can also be eligible for:

The process for making a claim varies by area Age UK North Tyneside’s Information & Advice team can support you to do this. Tel: 0191 280 8484 Option 1 or e mail enquiries@ageuknorthtyneside.org.uk

Should you prefer to do this yourself you should first get a claim form from North Tyneside Council.

Then, you’ll need a doctor’s diagnosis. A registered medical practitioner must have diagnosed you as severely mentally impaired. In some cases you’ll need to attach a written diagnosis to your claim – in others you just give your doctor’s details and they’ll be contacted for confirmation. To note GPs are not allowed to charge you for this certification.

Then fill the form in and send it off to North Tyneside Council. You may be asked to attach some supporting evidence, such as the doctor’s diagnosis or evidence of eligibility for relevant benefits. Again our  I&A team would be happy to offer advice and support. North Tyneside Council will definitely ask for medical evidence and they also ask for the GP to complete a questionnaire

Claiming for overpayment

North Tyneside Council will backdate the amount to when the person had the diagnosis and were I receipt of the qualifying disability benefit. Most Local Authorities will only backdate up to 6yrs

Not all councils allow you to apply for a backdated discount.

You’ll need to write to North Tyneside Council explaining your circumstances. You’ll need to do this separately, even if you’re claiming for a reduction in future as well, though you can attach your rebate letter to the claim form.

You don’t need to explain why you didn’t apply for a reduction earlier. But you will need to prove the criteria for a discount applied at the relevant time in the past.

It’s worth noting that different councils seem to have varying interpretations of the reclaim process, but the most common way of calculating when the reclaim should be backdated to seems to be based on when the person who is ‘SMI’ first started receiving a qualifying benefit.

If you lived with someone who’s ‘SMI’ and who’s since died, you may still be able to claim. You may be able to get a rebate on payments for the period when the person who was impaired lived with you. The process is the same, so you’ll still need proof of the person’s condition, such as a doctor’s letter.

Appealing a decision

If the council has rejected your application for the SMI discount, but you believe its decision was wrong and that you are eligible, then there is an appeals process.

Note any relevant timescales before you appeal, because if you leave it too late then you will probably have to start the entire SMI application process again.

If the council rejects your SMI application but you disagree with its decision, you should first appeal directly to the council itself. The council will have two months to issue its final response.

Should the council continue to disagree, you can then take your case to the Valuation Tribunal Service (this must be done within two months of the council’s final response).

If the council doesn’t respond to your initial appeal within two months, you can automatically take your case to the Valuation Tribunal Service. However, this must be done within four months of sending the initial appeal.

If you or someone you care for is living with dementia Age UK North Tyneside’s Dementia Connections team can provide practical and emotional support.  Tel: 0191 287 7014. This might include advice from our team of Admiral Nurses or activities and peer support groups all based in North Tyneside.

We are recruiting volunteers for an exciting new Volunteer Advocate role in EveryDay Care & Support

 

VOLUNTEER ADVOCATE ROLE OUTLINE

You will support people in your local community to have their views, wishes and feelings heard and to achieve their personal aspirations and goals. Within this role you’ll support people with their issues or concerns and ultimately empower them to be able to resolve similar issues themselves in the future.

As an independent volunteer advocate you will help people to:

Key skills or knowledge of a Volunteer Advocate

Key tasks for a volunteer advocate

Additional Information

How to Apply

If you are interested in this role please request a registration form by emailing volunteer@ageuknorthtyneside.org.uk

 Could you be eligible to claim Carer’s Allowance?

During Carers Week 2021 we’re raising awareness of a carer’s role and signposting them to the support they could be eligible for.

Do you :

People assume that their savings or National Insurance record will stop them from being eligible, that’s not the case. It won’t make a difference to your claim.

In fact you don’t even have to be related to or live with the person you care for to claim Carer’s Allowance.

Don’t be discouraged

If you receive State Pension you won’t be paid Carer’s Allowance. Don’t let that put you off making a claim. If you’re eligible then you could be awarded extra Pension Credit or Housing Benefit instead.

Also if you’re claiming Universal Credit, you may be able to get an extra amount because of your caring role without actually applying for Carer’s Allowance. This is known as a carer element.

Free Benefit Check

We always suggest that you give our Information & Advice team a call who will provide a Benefit Check for you simply over the phone.

How much is Carer’s Allowance?

Carer’s Allowance is worth £67.60 per week (for April 2021-22) and is usually paid every four weeks. Additionally you’ll also receive National Insurance credits each week towards your pension if you’re under pensionable age.

If your own circumstances were to change, i.e. you took a break from your caring role you must inform DWP. Again we can support you to do this with a simple phone call to our office.

Likewise if the person you care for is taken into hospital or care or sadly passes away you must make DWP aware as the benefit will cease to be paid, not immediately but this will happen.

Where to start?

You can either complete an online application on the Government’s website or allow our Information & Advice team to support you through the process.

Firstly give us a call Tel: 0191 2808484 option 1. We’ll take some details over the telephone and offer a benefit check. Then, based on the outcome of this we can arrange an appointment to support you through the process- if you wish.  This process is free.

What have you got to lose by giving our Information & Advice team a call?

Tel: 0191 2808484 Option 1 Monday–Friday 08:45-16:30 or e mail enquiries@ageuknorthtyneside.org.uk  

#CarersWeek

Eye Health & Sight Loss

This week during National Eye Health Week we’re looking at the resources available to people with a visual impairment, their family, friend or carer. We also look at tips for good eye health to help with avoidable sight loss.

When someone in your family or someone you care for starts to lose their sight or is diagnosed with an eye condition, it can be a very worrying time for all concerned. Adapting to an entirely new and unexpected situation can be difficult. To avoid being overwhelmed we’ve partnered with Thomas Pocklington Trust Tyne & Wear Sight Loss Council to put together some helpful information and tips to help you take control of your own eye health.

What you need to know

In surveys, people almost always identify sight as their most valuable sense. But did you know that 50% of sight loss is avoidable?

It’s easy to neglect your eyes because they often do not hurt when there’s a problem. Having an eye test will not just tell you if you need new glasses or a change of prescription – it’s also an important eye health check. An optician can spot many general health problems and early signs of eye conditions before you’re aware of any symptoms. Many of which can be treated if found early enough.

The College of Optometrists recommends that everyone over the age of 16 should have an eye test every two years, and more frequently if they have an eye problem. Children should have annual tests.

How can I keep my eyes healthy?

Here are some tips to keep your eyes healthy:

 

Where to get help

If you, a family member or person you care for starts to show signs that their vision has deteriorated or become impaired and/or they have other problems with their eyes such as inflammation, dryness or pain what should you do? You can call you’re your GP or use NHS 111 service. The NHS 111 service can be accessed either online via 111.nhs.uk or by dialling 111 on your telephone keypad. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Calls from landlines and mobile phones are free.

The 3 main causes of sight loss are:

If you or someone in your family or someone you care for is diagnosed with an eye condition, find out as much as you can about that condition. Look at how it will affect vision and what you/they can do to make the most of their available sight.

The ‘What do we see?’ video simulates how the world looks through the eyes of people who are visually impaired as they go about their everyday lives.

It’s good advice when attending any eye appointments to ask as many questions as possible and make a note of the answers. Having someone with you when you can go to the appointment will also help.

All of the Eye hospitals in the North East have an Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO). ECLOs have lots of knowledge on eye conditions and helpful local and national services. By offering dedicated individual care, ECLOs can talk to you about your worries and give you advice on how to lessen the impact your eye condition may have on your life. You should automatically be offered this service, but don’t be afraid to ask about it if you’re not.

If your sight loss is significant, you may be eligible for certification, which leads to entitlement for support and benefits.

Coming to terms with sight loss can be a massive challenge. Reactions to being diagnosed with sight loss tend to be similar to bereavement – you may experience feelings of denial, anger and fear.

What aids can help me at home if I have a visual impairment?

There are a number of optical aids and gadgets that can help improve your vision and keep you living independently. You’re most likely to need different types for specific activities, such as reading a book or watching television.

The simplest optical aids are special magnifiers, which can help with tasks such as reading a newspaper. Magnifiers may be hand-held, have their own stand, or may be built into your glasses.

Other aids include:

For advice on optical aids, ask your doctor or eye specialist to refer you to a low-vision clinic, where specialist staff can assess which aids would help you most and suggest ways to make the best possible use of the sight you have.

They can usually loan any equipment to you for you to try out. If you register as blind or partially sighted, your local authority should contact you for an assessment.

Further information

The following provide a range of advice and support:

If you care for someone with a visual impairment, or if you are visually impaired yourself, you may be entitled to additional financial support. To find out more, call the Age UK North Tyneside Information & Advice team on 0191 280 8484 option 1 or email customerservices@ageuknorthtyneside.org.uk.

 

Meeting Centres go live for those living with dementia in North Tyneside

Life-changing centres where people living with Dementia and their families can receive vital support are set to appear in the North East for the first time.

Age UK North Tyneside has announced, days before the start of Dementia Action Week (17-23 May), it will open two Dementia Meeting Centres, offering individually-tailored, expert-led support to people affected by the condition.

Most existing groups focus solely on the person with Dementia, however the new centres – at West Moor Community Centre and Howden Hub – also help family members.

Research

Research has shown Meeting Centres have a hugely positive impact. Statistics show that after attending people living with the condition were happier, and families felt more able to look after their loved ones.

Kirsty De Bono-Hume, one of the charity’s seven Dementia-specialist Admiral Nurses and the Centres’ ‘lead’, can’t wait for them to open in July. She hopes the Centres will be the first of many.

She said: “The idea is to bring together the people affected by Dementia and support them through what can be a very difficult process.

“The Meeting Centres will provide an inclusive, warm and enjoyable environment to support both people with Dementia alongside their family carers.

“Activities will reflect the interests of the members and will promote practical, emotional and social adjustments, and there will always be Dementia specialists on hand to provide information and advice.

“There is nothing else like this in the North East and we think it is going to have a massive impact on people in the community.

“We are starting with two centres initially, but ideally would have more spread across North Tyneside in future.”

There are around 3000 people over 65 living with Dementia across North Tyneside. The condition is listed as the biggest cause of death in the UK.

Dementia Connections

Age UK North Tyneside’s Dementia Connections team currently supports almost 400 living with dementia each month.

During the pandemic it has kept in touch with customers via telephone, Zoom and Facetime, while also providing essential home visits.

The idea for Meeting Centres originated in the Netherlands, where there are now hundreds dotted across the country.

Despite their success in Europe, they are still uncommon in the UK.

Greg Lambert, Head of Community and Enterprise at Howden Hub, is pleased to be helping to bring the Meeting Centres to people in North Tyneside.

He said: “Everybody knows someone who has been affected by Dementia in some way, so to have a service like this operating is absolutely essential.

“My Nan suffered with it so I know the toll Dementia can take on people living with it and their families; this will be a vital support for them.

“My family didn’t have anything like this available to them and I wish we had, it’s a fantastic idea and I’m proud the sessions will be running from Howden Hub.

“The centre is here for the community, and this is something the community really needs.”

 

 

To find out more about the centres, call 0191 2877014 .

You can also email enquiries@ageuknorthtyneside.org.uk or head to www.ageuknorthtyneside.org.uk

Volutneer Case Study – Linda

Linda is 69 years young and lives alone. Although she has a few health problems this doesn’t stop her from being active and thinking about her own wellbeing. Previously she’d had a career as a carer before joining Age UK North Tyneside as a volunteer 20 years ago.

When Linda found herself without employment, it was her Career Advisor who suggested doing some volunteering and suggested Age UK North Tyneside to help her to gain new skills.

Age UK North Tyneside gave Linda the opportunity to visit their Wellbeing Centre in Wallsend to do some volunteer work and share activities with the customers. Linda loved it.

By becoming a volunteer Linda has gained lots of new skills such as attending training for different courses and meeting new people. Volunteering has also helped to boost Linda’s confidence and gives her some social time with others. It allows her to keep her hand in with baking, gardening, crocheting and doing other activities such as arts and crafts which she thoroughly enjoys.

Linda said, “As a volunteer I enjoy attending the Wellbeing Centre. It gives me pleasure meeting new people and doing activities with the customers, it also helps me with my own wellbeing as living on my own can be lonely at times. I have now volunteered for over 20 years and hope to volunteer for many more years, you can’t get rid of me that easily.”

Recruiting at Havelock Place

We are now recruiting experienced Personal Support Assistants to provide dementia specialist care in our brand new development, Havelock Place in Backworth.

We have a variety of shifts patterns available. All applicants must have their Level 2 or 3 in Health and Social Care.

If you currently work for EveryDay Care & Support and are interested in applying for a post at Havelock Place, please contact HRTeam@everydayuk.org for an expression of interest form.

You can apply via the link  Click Here or visit our website and complete the online application form.

About the role

As a Personal Support Assistant your goal is to promote and enable individuals with cognitive impairments to live well and independently. PSA roles involve assisting with bathing, washing and dressing, assisting tenants in and out of bed/wheelchair, with a hoist if necessary, assisting and feeding tenants where necessary, and assisting/preparing meals and drinks as authorised in care plans and supporting with medication in strict accordance to care plans and medication assessments.

Role Requirements

Level 2 or Level 3 in Health and Social Care – Required

Experience in Care – Required

Full UK Driving Licence – Desirable

What we offer our Personal Support Assistants / Care Workers

As well as fantastic rates of pay, we also provide our care assistants with a range of employee benefits:

Why not meet the EveryDay Care team .

Sundowing and dementia

What is sundowning?

People living with dementia may experience a change in behaviour in the evening. They can often become more agitated or anxious around dusk. This is called sundowning.

Other symptoms of sundowning might include a sense that the person living with dementia is in the wrong place. They may say they need to go home, or that they need to pick their children up, even if this is not the case.

They may also begin shouting or arguing, pacing, or becoming confused about who people are or what’s going on.

What can we do to help with sundowning?

We spoke to Betty Lucas, our Lead Admiral Nurse, to see how we can support people living with dementia who experience sundowning.

“There are several ways to help with sundowning. I find prevention to be best. What I have always found works best is engagement before the usual time that your loved one starts to experience sundowning. Sundowning is an ‘unmet need’. We all have those feelings that we should be doing something but we can work out what it is and rationalise why we are not doing it. Unfortunately, the person living with dementia who is experiencing this is unable to tell us what that need is because of their cognitive impairment but continue to have that ‘unsettled’ feeling.

“I have found engagement or distraction before the signs start works best. It’s very hard to distract once someone becomes agitated and distressed.

“It might be going for a walk, listening to some music, watching a film or doing an activity. Sounds easy but it is not! It is often hard to find that ‘thing’ that helps prevent the person from experiencing sundowning.

“Many years ago (about 1995 – I’m getting on a bit!) I was managing a ward which was for assessment of memory difficulties. All 20 patients on my ward had or were in the process of having a diagnosis of dementia. A large proportion of my patients experienced sundowning with the onset starting between 5.30 pm to 7 pm and many different distractions were required to maintain a calm environment.

“One Friday a new admission came in. A lovely gentleman, we shall call him Fred.

“After tea on the Friday Fred wanted to have a wash and shave and told me he was going to work but he couldn’t say where he worked or what his job was. Fred spent the whole of the evening walking up and down the corridors but was unable to say why. I contacted his wife who told me he was an organist at a local social club. The following day (Saturday) Fred had his evening meal and proceeded to get washed and shaved. By the time he had washed we had set up an organ in the day room. We put a table next to the organ with a pint of non-alcoholic shandy on it for Fred. When he came out of the washroom he sat at the organ, played tunes for about 2 hours while the other patients clapped, sang and danced (so did the staff!) then he picked up his pint, went to the quiet room and had a settled evening. All of the other patients had been engaged with an activity and did not experience any sundowning that evening or any other evening when Fred played.

“After Fred was discharged we continued that theme with social club type activities to engage the patients in our care.”

Where can I go for support?

There is lots of support available for people living with dementia and their carers.

North Tyneside Carers’ Centre provides a confidential support service for carers. They can support carers with everything from advocacy to mental health through one to one sessions and peer support groups.

EveryDay Care & Support offers respite services for carers of those living with dementia, as well as providing care for people living with dementia.

Age UK North Tyneside’s Admiral Nurses have a wealth of knowledge to help with all matters related to dementia. They can be reached on 0191 287 7014.

Our Admiral Nurses are also now working in the Memory Clinic at North Tyneside General Hospital. This means people who have just been diagnosed with the condition can immediately be introduced to an Admiral Nurse, whereas previously they would have been handed information booklets.

To find out more about how Age UK North Tyneside could help you, call 0191 280 8484 Option 1 or email enquiries@ageuknorthtyneside.org.uk.

#CarersWeek2021 #DAW21

Promotion within social care is a reality within EveryDay Care & Support

Audra Proud was recently promoted within EveryDay Care to Performance and Business Development Senior Operations Manager. We asked her to give us some insight into her new role and this provided an opportunity to learn a little bit more about her.

Tell us a little about yourself Audra.

I was born in North Shields and have lived in this area all of my life. On leaving school I was a full time mum. I began my working career in a DIY store called Dickens in Shiremoor.

In 1992 I applied to become a home care assistant for North Tyneside Council. It was here that I progressed through the levels of responsibility to management.

In 2008 I became a registered manager for a private care provider and set up a new domiciliary service in North Tyneside from scratch.
I left the company in 2016 and joined EveryDay Care and Support in November 2016.

Where did your passion for a career in Social Care begin, what ignited it?

As I mentioned I worked in a DIY store and loved it. It wasn’t until sadly my grandma took ill and was cared for through her illness at home by my mother and sister who were both care workers. This somehow flicked a switch in my career path and I have to say I have never looked back.

What do you like to do to have fun outside of your work?

I love to socialise, although Covid-19 has put pay to that this past year. I like to walk and spend quality time shopping with my granddaughter.

What pricked your interest in the new Senior Manager position with EveryDay Care & Support?

I have always been very passionate about my work and love to seek out the next challenge. Reading the role description got me very excited, and I know this is a fantastic opportunity for me.

What is it about EveryDay Care & Support that originally attracted you to the organisation?

Where do I start?
The values of the organisation speak volumes. The teams are brilliant. Everyone supports and encourages each other. I had worked with a few of the management team many years ago and jumped at the opportunity to join this fantastic team.

Tell us about your new role

I will be supporting our Head of Professional Care Services, Kerry Parker in the strategic operational management and development of the company with specific responsibility for performance and business development.

How have you been keeping yourself busy during lockdown?

Our care provision has obviously continued and if anything we have been busier so that’s been a massive help. I don’t know how I would have coped if I had worked in a service area where I was furloughed.
During my time off from work as we couldn’t take a holiday abroad we did a lot of home improvements.

What do you hope to achieve in the first 12 months?

I want to make my mark in my new role and deliver what is expected. I want to see our services grow and look back and say “I have been part of the team that has made this happen”

What will be your first objective?

To work with all of our managers and get a clear understanding of their individual targets. Then I’ll put plans in place to support them to achieve this.

What three words would other people use to describe you?

Thanks Audra and good luck in your new, exciting role with EveryDay Care & Support.

Dont Wait – quit today

 

“I had tried before but COVID was the fright I needed.”

Philip Kyle, 55, Newcastle

Over 1.5 million people require  social care as a direct result of smoking

https://ash.org.uk/media-and-news/press-releases-media-and-news/over-1-5-million-people-need-social-care-because-of-smoking/

COVID-19 has increased the likelihood of smokers making a successful quit attempt. It is clear that the coronavirus pandemic has been a time in which many people have considered ways to improve their health – and this is certainly the case for smoking. It has been estimated that a million people nationally had quit during the first lock down and hundreds of thousands have maintained that success.

Make 2021 the year you quit smoking for good. Stop smoking for your health, to save money, and for your family.

Smoking damages the lungs and the immune system, leaving us more vulnerable to infections. It also increases your risks of heart disease, diabetes, COPD, stroke and cancer. And that means if you do get coronavirus, symptoms could be more severe.

What happens when you quit?

After 20 minutes

Check your pulse rate – it will be starting to return to normal.

After 8 hours                                                                                

Your oxygen levels are recovering, and the level of harmful carbon monoxide in your blood will have reduced by half.

After 48 hours

All carbon monoxide is flushed out. Your lungs are clearing out mucus and your senses of taste and smell are improving.

After 72 hours

If you notice that breathing feels easier, it’s because your bronchial tubes have started to relax. Also your energy will be increasing.

After 2-12 weeks

Blood will be pumping through to your heart and muscles much better because your circulation will have improved.

After 3-9 months

Any coughs, wheezing or breathing problems will be improving as your lung function increases.

After 1 year

Great news! Your risk of heart attack will have halved compared with a smoker’s.

After 10 years

More great news! Your risk of death from lung cancer will have halved compared with a smoker’s.

 Source: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/

Where to start

To get started, contact your pharmacy, GP or to find local support and free online quitting tools visit https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/

A handy list of North Tyneside Pharmacies https://my.northtyneside.gov.uk/category/1445/support-stop-smoking

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