Attendance Allowance

Hi,
My husband is 71, has 2 prolapsed discs. This first happened when he was 64/65 and he was in a wheelchair, then on crutches. Had private and NHS physio, MRI Scans, actupunture, medication, and reports written by work health scheme and letters from GP, hosptial consultants. Not seeing anyone at moment, manages pain with over the counter 400mg. Since then he has complained of numbness in left leg and foot and occasionnally falls, these are getting more frequent. Currently sporting 3 colourful bruises on left hip and side from a fall in the bathroom about 7 days ago. Unfortunately because I was downstairs, I didn't hear him fall so he was stuck for about 30 minutes before I wondered where he was. When he falls, because he is overweight, it can take both me and my 17 year old to help him up. I notice as well that if we go out for the day he is very tired for the next couple of days. I help him wash his hair and I wash and treat his feet for him, cut nails, etc. He doesn't have baths as I couldn't get him out if he got stuck - just has a good wash every day.

I have from time to time looked at making application for Attendance Allowance but he hasn't been keen on the idea, as he doesn't want to be thought of as a benefit cheat. Do you think he would be successful applying for AA? I have contacted Age Concern as well but not had a reply yet. Thank you.

JRW wrote: Hi,
My husband is 71, has 2 prolapsed discs. This first happened when he was 64/65 and he was in a wheelchair, then on crutches. Had private and NHS physio, MRI Scans, actupunture, medication, and reports written by work health scheme and letters from GP, hosptial consultants. Not seeing anyone at moment, manages pain with over the counter 400mg. Since then he has complained of numbness in left leg and foot and occasionnally falls, these are getting more frequent. Currently sporting 3 colourful bruises on left hip and side from a fall in the bathroom about 7 days ago. Unfortunately because I was downstairs, I didn't hear him fall so he was stuck for about 30 minutes before I wondered where he was. When he falls, because he is overweight, it can take both me and my 17 year old to help him up. I notice as well that if we go out for the day he is very tired for the next couple of days. I help him wash his hair and I wash and treat his feet for him, cut nails, etc. He doesn't have baths as I couldn't get him out if he got stuck - just has a good wash every day.

I have from time to time looked at making application for Attendance Allowance but he hasn't been keen on the idea, as he doesn't want to be thought of as a benefit cheat. Do you think he would be successful applying for AA? I have contacted Age Concern as well but not had a reply yet. Thank you.

Hi JRW,

I cannot give a definitive answer but from what you have written he may well qualify for an AA Award.

If he has bruises and abrasions from "falls" photographs and supporting statements could be used as evidence in his AA application.

Age UK can help with AA applications including help with filling in the application form.

Have a read through our AA Claims Guide at the top of the page.

bro58