| It's really good to see you, Tom. |
| Since I had to give up work, I feel I'm losing touch with my friends and colleagues. |
| We really miss you in the office. |
| We were all so sorry you had to leave. |
| But you must be relieved to have more time to look after your mother. |
| How is she? |
| Well, she is very cheerful, but she needs a lot of help. |
| Have you tried to get any support from the local council? |
| No, I didn't know I could. |
| Yes, they offer different kinds of practical support. |
| They realise that carers sometimes need time for all the other responsibilities they have, |
| apart from the person they're caring for, |
| and also that they sometimes need a break. |
| Absolutely. |
| Okay, so tell me more. |
| How do I go about getting this support? |
| Well, you'd have to have an assessment of your mother's needs. |
| That means someone would come round and talk to you about the situation and what you need. |
| So, for a start, they'd want to know the amount of time you spend looking after your mother every day. |
| Okay. |
| Then they'll probably ask you what sorts of tasks you do for your mother during the day. |
| Things like if she needs help with getting dressed, for example. |
| Right, I help her with that. |
| And also I help her get into the shower in the morning. |
| Yes, that sort of thing. |
| They'll probably ask you if you do the shopping for her |
| and help her at meal times. |
| And whether she can cope using money. |
| Yes, that's becoming a bit of a problem. |
| She used to be very good at it, but not anymore. |
| And be ready to tell them about anything you find particularly difficult about caring for your mother. |
| So, recently I've noticed she's started to have quite bad problems with her memory. |
| If I wasn't there, I think she'd forget to eat, for example. |
| And often she doesn't seem quite sure what day it is. |
| Yes, tell them about that. |
| And are there any physical difficulties you have caring for her? |
| Lifting her, for example? |
| Yes, she's quite heavy |
| and I'm afraid of hurting my back. |
| I'd be in real trouble if that happened. |
| They can give you advice about that and also about how to avoid the possibility of your mum having a fall. |
| Great. |
| So once they've done this assessment, if I'm eligible, what happens next? |
| Well, they might support you financially. |
| So they might help you with transport costs, |
| like if you have to get a taxi to take your mother for an appointment, for example. |
| I usually drive her myself, actually. |
| So, could I claim for the petrol? |
| You could. |
| And you can claim for the insurance too. |
| Oh, right. |
| And if you need help with the housework, they can arrange for someone to come along once or twice a week. |
| And one other thing. |
| I hope you don't mind me saying this, but it's important you look after yourself. |
| And it seems to me you're under quite a bit of stress. |
| I am, yes. |
| Well tell the council because they may be able to give you some advice on how to minimise it. |
| Really? |
| Though, actually, I feel so much better having talked to you. |
| I'll get in touch with the council straight away. |
| Now, shall we go for coffee... |