Hi Coolatjc...
I hope to God you're wrong and this payment doesn't get scrapped... It's all that stands between my darling mum and a Nursing Home....
I get the Half-Rate Carers, but I can tell you, I DON'T spend it on myself.... It's used to pay some of the additional costs of Mum being in kidney failure... Taxis to and from her hospital appointments, her special (and expensive) diet, huge amount of additional laundry, more frequent replacement of bed linen, pyjamas etc (don't ask!), someone to be with her when I have to be out for a few hours, and the additiional heating costs... Mum's always cold... You should see my gas bills!...
I couldn't care for Mum without this payment... I just couldn't afford to give her what she needs...
When Mum was diagnosed, and I realised the costs involved in looking after her properly, we (Dr, Community Nurse, Social Worker) decided that the only option for her was a Nursing Home, and she was on the list... Then HRC became available, and this has enabled me to look after her at home... If it DOES go, I can see lots of older and ill people ending up in instutional care...
I got my HRC in late 2007 (Backdated to Sept when it was introduced), and I've never had my claim reviewed...
Let's just start praying!....
Darth...