# Alzheimer’s diagnosis **URL:** \ **Category:** New to Carers Connect\ **Created:** [4 December 2019 14:41 UTC](https://carersukstaging.discourse.group/t/alzheimer-s-diagnosis/65420 "2019-12-04T14:41:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![David\_19111234](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7ba0ec/32.png) [@David\_19111234](https://carersukstaging.discourse.group/u/David_19111234)\ **Post date:** [4 December 2019 14:41 UTC](https://carersukstaging.discourse.group/t/alzheimer-s-diagnosis/65420/1 "2019-12-04T14:41:47Z")
![:-???](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/flex017/uploads/carersukstaging/original/2X/8/8fc83134a8cc80baa6b9064d277c7ff4fed1a6da.png "Question marks") Hello, my wife has recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. although early stages as yet it’s obviously going to get worse, she has been prescribed the drug mementine to slow the illness down. I would appreciate advice from anyone out there with similar issues, ie what to expect, if I can claim any help or allowances. Regards David. ![:-???](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/flex017/uploads/carersukstaging/original/2X/8/8fc83134a8cc80baa6b9064d277c7ff4fed1a6da.png "Question marks") ---
**Author:** ![sunnydisposition](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/48db29/32.png) [@sunnydisposition](https://carersukstaging.discourse.group/u/sunnydisposition)\ **Post date:** [4 December 2019 15:09 UTC](https://carersukstaging.discourse.group/t/alzheimer-s-diagnosis/65420/2 "2019-12-04T15:09:10Z")
> **[Council tax and dementia](https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/legal-financial/council-tax-dementia)** > > Some people affected by dementia are eligible for a discount on their council tax bill. We look at who needs to pay council tax, and the reductions, discounts and exemptions available. > **[Benefits for people affected by dementia](https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/legal-financial/benefits-dementia)** > > If you are living with dementia, or caring for someone with the condition, you may be eligible for some benefits if dementia affects your ability to work, or if you have extra costs because of it.  ---
**Author:** ![Chris\_From\_The\_Gulag](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex017/user_avatar/carersukstaging.discourse.group/chris_from_the_gulag/32/149_2.png) [@Chris\_From\_The\_Gulag](https://carersukstaging.discourse.group/u/Chris_From_The_Gulag)\ **Post date:** [4 December 2019 15:09 UTC](https://carersukstaging.discourse.group/t/alzheimer-s-diagnosis/65420/3 "2019-12-04T15:09:44Z")
Hi David … welcome to an extremely quiet forum as I type. A series of links to outside expert advice for you : ALZHEIMER SOCIETY … the leading experts in this field : **[https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/](https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/)** THEIR ONLINE COMMUNITY … equivalent of this forum : **[https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/dementia-talking-point-our-online-community](https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/dementia-talking-point-our-online-community)** BENEFITS / ALLOWANCES … an online benefits calculator to ensure that ALL available are currently being claimed … including a potential Council Tax disregard / discount : **[https://www.entitledto.co.uk/](https://www.entitledto.co.uk/)** _( I assume DLA / PIP / Attendance Allowance … possibly Carers Allowance ? )_ OUTSIDE CARE SUPPORT … what’s available and who provides it : **[https://www.carersuk.org/forum/support-and-advice/all-about-caring/home-care-services-a-guide-from-the-money-advice-service-web-site-37984](https://www.carersuk.org/forum/support-and-advice/all-about-caring/home-care-services-a-guide-from-the-money-advice-service-web-site-37984)** NEEDS / CARER ASSESSMENTS … through your LA : **[The Care Needs Assessment Explained | Age UK](https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/care/arranging-care/care-needs-assessment/)** **[Carer's Assessment - Advice and help for Carers | Age UK](https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/care/helping-a-loved-one/getting-a-carers-assessment/)** HOUSING Owner occupiers / tenants … social / b.t.l. … any problems ? That’s the basics … others will be along to extend their welcomes , and add their insights. ---
**Author:** ![thara\_1910](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex017/user_avatar/carersukstaging.discourse.group/thara_1910/32/243_2.png) [@thara\_1910](https://carersukstaging.discourse.group/u/thara_1910)\ **Post date:** [4 December 2019 15:53 UTC](https://carersukstaging.discourse.group/t/alzheimer-s-diagnosis/65420/4 "2019-12-04T15:53:09Z")
Hello and welcome! The two most important benefits to claim are PIP and ESA. Citizen’s Advice can advise you on benefits and help you fill out the forms. Good luck! You may also find that she is exempt from council tax. Call their helpline number tomorrow morning on 03444111444 and ask for a benefits advisor. ---
**Author:** ![bowlingbun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ac91a4/32.png) [@bowlingbun](https://carersukstaging.discourse.group/u/bowlingbun)\ **Post date:** [4 December 2019 16:06 UTC](https://carersukstaging.discourse.group/t/alzheimer-s-diagnosis/65420/5 "2019-12-04T16:06:16Z")
Hi David, welcome to the forum. Can I ask how old you and your wife are? What benefits you can receive depends on your ages, to some extent. Do you own, or rent your home? Is it a house, or bungalow? Does it have a shower? It is likely your wife will qualify for exemption from council Tax on the grounds of “severe mental impairment”. It’s a horrible term, but sadly the one used. It should be easy to claim, back dated to the date of diagnosis. I would suggest that you concentrate on making your house and garden as low maintenance as possible, because if you try to do the work of two people,. it’s exhausting. Keeping you well is now every bit as important as caring for your wife.