Jennie’s daughter, Gayle– who also has myotonic dystrophy – used to support Jennie with things like going shopping, but as her condition has worsened following a number of falls and fractures is not able to help out as much. Because of this, Jennie didn’t really leave the house for four months – and it was at this point she decided to apply for AA.
Attendance allowance is for people over the age of 65 who have care needs, such as getting dressed or going to the toilet. Jennie was awarded the lower care component of AA, which came as a surprise, as she is prone to falls and needs assistance using the toilet. Having sought advice from an independent organisation, Jennie learned she was very unlikely to be awarded the higher component, because of her age.
Jennie says:
I was surprised when I was awarded the lower care component of Attendance Allowance, because I see myself as disabled with very restricted mobility. My mobility is affected because of my disability, not because of my age. This doesn’t seem to be recognised. I know resources are stretched, and I have tried to stay as healthy as possible to optimise what potential I have. However, this is a progressive, all-encompassing condition that without support leads to a rapid decline and the need for a higher level of support.
She added:
Age shouldn’t be a factor when considering benefits applications. There’s an assumption that people get old and things are expected to happen. But it doesn’t mean they are entitled to a lesser quality of life. There are many conditions, like mine, which aren’t stable. When you have a bad day, you can’t do anything. I live on my own. I’m not asking for special exemptions. But it’s difficult when there’s no one there to pick you up if you fall, or pass you that thing you can’t reach any more.
I found the application form a little confusing. I was a social worker, so do have experience filling forms like this in. But I found it difficult in parts, I suspect other people would need some help. The form wasn’t always clear, either. My condition isn’t stable, and there didn’t seem to be anywhere in the form that recognised that.