Ian & Kathryn
Ian and Kathryn are a young married couple. Ian has a disability and until recently they have managed fine without any help.
Now Ian can't cope at home alone at all and Kathryn needs to go to work as she is the sole breadwinner.
The social worker put in a large package of care for Ian; 5 days of support while Kathryn went to work. ILF was applied for when the new care plan started. ILF has not only given extra hours for the couple, they have also taken over some of the LA funding.
If Ian wants respite at home or would like to take a Personal Assistant with him and Kathryn on holiday, they may approach the ILF for funding for this. They may also ask for shopping and cleaning, the little 'extras'.
Maria & Tony
Maria and Tony have been married for 20 years and have a grown up daughter living at home. Tony's physical disabilities mean he cannot be left alone at all. Maria works and for some of the time they use an agency for Tony's care.
The local authority provided just enough hours for Maria to go to work and no more. The care plan is very expensive, so when Maria wanted to go shopping or out with friends, she had to rely on favours, or her daughter.
Tony decided to change to Direct Payments, which meant Tony and Maria became employers. Tony also met ILF criteria and he decided to apply.
He now gets a lot more hours to employ 2 staff. Maria is able to go out occasionally and can do the shopping for the family while Tony is cared for.
Maria says she used to feel trapped, as she only went out to work and started her caring role as soon as she came home. Now they have more time to be a married couple again.
Geraldine
Geraldine has a learning disability and lives with her dad. She uses Direct Payments and employs her sister to care for her.
As she gets older, (and so does Dad), her support needs have increased. Now she needs help in the night and dad no longer feels able to provide it.
ILF was contacted to review her case.
They have put in extra hours for Geraldine so her dad and sister can help her employ somebody else to provide night sits. Also, when her sister goes away on holiday, extra hours for respite can be obtained from ILF so Geraldine can stay at home with Dad and be cared for by another personal assistant. (ILF will not fund a residential care home). She employs the lady who supports her at night as she knows and likes her.
