Other issues to bear in mind when considing residential care
Welfare Benefits
It can be helpful to review what benefits you and your family members or carers are receiving. For instance, if the local authority will not be contributing to the care home fees, you may be entitled to Attendance Allowance. The benefits system is complex and changes regularly, so even if you think you are getting what you are entitled to it may well be worth completing an annual check. For more information, see the MS Society publication Benefits and MS.
Everyone with MS has the right to make choices about the care they receive now, as well as in the future. However, some people who become severely affected by MS have trouble with this. This may be because speech difficulties, fatigue or memory problems have become a barrier to communication and those people cannot express their wishes. Each individual has the right to direct what care they receive now and in the future. This is due to the new Mental Capacity Act 2005 which came into force on 1 October 2007.
Lasting power of attorney (LPA)
Office of the Public GuardianLasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) allow you to choose someone you trust to look after your affairs and take decisions on your behalf if necessary. They replace Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPAs). LPAs now cover health care and consent to medical treatment, as well as decisions about property and financial affairs. They are now under more scrutiny and ensure that any decisions made on behalf of people lacking capacity are in their best interests. For more information, contact the Office of the Public Guardian.Advance Statements
Advance statements are general statements of your views or wishes. You can make an advance statement to request certain forms of medical intervention and make positive statements about the range of treatments and types of care you wish to receive in the event that you lose capacity to express your views in the future.Advocacy Support
There is a new service called the Independent Mental Capacity Advocate service. (IMCA) which aims to help people who lack capacity to make difficult decisions. These decisions may include medical treatment choices, or where they live. It is aimed at people who do not have relatives or friends to speak for them. There may also be other advocacy support available locally through your local Citizens Advice Bureau, Action for Advocacy or Centre for Independent Living.
More information is available on all aspects of the Mental Capacity Act from the Ministry of Justice.
See also the section on this website on Support for people severely affected by MS.
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