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Parent with a brain tumour

sabrina24
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My dad was diagnosed with brain cancer in April. I lost my mum a few years ago to breast cancer, so it is just myself and my sister. We do have a lot of support from friends, but it has got to the time where my dad cannot look after himself. I am at uni, so i go back and forth from home. I have started looking in to assisted living, social care at home for my dad but theres just so much I dont know about this and so many questions to ask that I am getting stuck with what I should be doing or looking for?

 

I have started to do my research on the type of brain cancer, and what sort of care is provided but i was just wondering if there is anyone who has been in my position or any professionals that could offer some advice on this?

 

Thank you 

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    Hi Sabrina,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. I am so sorry to hear about your Dad's diagnosis and also to learn that you have already lost your Mum to breast cancer. There are times when life just doesn't seem fair, aren't there? Can I ask what ages you and your sister are? This seems an awful lot for you to take on, as well as your university studies.

    Have you spoken to your GP and/or his cancer care team? They should be able to put you in touch with a social worker, who you will need, if you want to consider asisted living or social care at home. The best thing to do to start off with is to make a list of the questions you have surrounding this matter. This way, you shouldn't forget to ask any important questions. It can take quite a time to arrange this, so don't delay in starting the ball rolling.

    I am afraid that I know little about brain cancer, but can I suggest that you phone the nurses on this site, who should be able to help you out. Their number is Freephone from a UK landline and it is:- 0808 800 4040. If you want to find out more about brain tumours why not use the search facility on the blue band at the top of this page? This will bring up previous posts on the topic and introduce you to others who have experience of this sort of cancer.

    A word of advice - be careful to only use respected sites when doing your research. There are many poorly researched sites, where the information given can be incorrect  and very worrying.

    I do hope that you manage to get some contingencies in place to help you all. Pease keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you, whenever you feel like talking.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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    Hi Sabrina

    My husband was diagnosed with brain cancer recently and I am finding out things as I go along. 

    There is a benefit to help with mobility and care called PIP you have to ring a number and give some details and then they send you a form to complete. I have not got the form yet but it is not means tested.  I think often the nurses or Doctor will help complete it or support the application. 

    Also can get a blue badge so anyone driving him (as should not be driving now) can park without penalty.  Details are on the government web site and it provides a font of information.

    Certainly look on that site for information about a carer coming in to check on him and help.  Generally, there is a patients hotline PALs advertised around hospitals and you may also want to talk to them and get advice about else what may be available in your area.

    Good luck with it all and your studies xoxo

     

     

  • Offline in reply to misskelch

     

    Hi Sabrina,

    Your local Citizens Advice Bureau is the best place to start. I may be wrong, but I think that MacMillan can also help with this form. Your care team might be able to advise of other sources of help.

    No matter how well educated you are, you definitely need help to fill the form in, because it is a 25 page brute of a form to fill in. Those who do it regularly, know how to answer certain questions, whereas doing it yourself for the first time, you arelikely to make mistakes. If you look it up online (Personal Independence Allowance) they will give you a telephone number to contact to get the form sent out to you. The blue badge application is not so bad, but the CAB will also help you with this - again it is helpful to have someone with experience to fill it in.

    We found that the medical staff didn't want anything to do with filling in the form.

    It is a good idea however, to get as many letters as possible from your medical team endorsing the fact that your Dad has cancer of the brain and outlining his prognosis, other health issues, etc.

    I hope that you manage to get this, as it makes a big difference.

    Kind regards,

    Jlamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine
    Hi, am I right in assuming you have to under 65 to receive PIP,many thanks.
  • Offline in reply to jipster

     

    Hi Jipster,

    I think that it is under 68, but I am not absolutely sure. I may be getting this mixed up with motability. Can anyone else help us out here please?

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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