Issue 4: Spring/Summer 2018
Advice & Support Team
A word of advice
You may have heard of the term ‘life admin’ – a list of personal tasks that need to be completed outside work such as paying bills or replying to emails.
Many of us are able to handle these day-to-day tasks, however during unexpected or difficult times, life admin can be much more serious and daunting.
Whether you’re a single parent struggling to work out your benefit entitlement, a student trying to fund university studies or a full-time carer researching respite care options, our Advice & Support Team is here to help.
When 81-year-old Freemason, Geoff, was hit by a number of tragedies, our Adviser, Claire, helped him to access the support he needed.
Geoff
“I’ve had a disastrous three years. My wife, Carol, had lung cancer and a very bad stroke which was the beginning of a lot of trauma for us. Shortly after, we lost both our sons to illness and our daughter died suddenly in her sleep. She went to bed one night and didn’t wake up.
“Because of Carol’s cancer, she’s constantly hooked up to oxygen which makes it hard for her to leave the house. My daughter used to take her around the supermarket but now she has died my wife is even more limited, which frustrates her.
“My lodge Almoner got in touch with our local Adviser, Claire, who has visited us at home two or three times. I have a bit of difficulty getting around myself but I didn’t know I could get any support for this until I spoke to Claire. She helped us complete an application for support from the MCF and we received two rise and recline chairs to help us get up and about a little easier. It’s so nice to have a knowledgeable support unit to rely on – it really put my mind at ease.
It’s been an incredibly stressful few years, but Claire’s guidance and the support of the MCF has helped us to worry a little less about our finances.
Clare
“I found out about Geoff and Carol when their lodge Almoner called me. They’d had such a tragic time with illness and death within the family and everyone was extremely concerned about their wellbeing. I gave them a call and booked in an initial visit to work out their support needs. I soon realised they were struggling with mobility and helped them apply for rise and recline chairs from the MCF.
“Part of the MCF’s support is income maximisation, so we try to make sure that people receive the benefits they’re entitled to. Geoff didn’t realise that he was eligible for Attendance Allowance so we successfully applied for the highest amount for both himself and Carol. It was one of those situations where money seemed irrelevant compared to losing their children or dealing with their health problems, but at least I could help ease their financial pressures a little bit.”
I understand how difficult it is to ask for help, but when you speak to me or another member of the Advice & Support Team, what you say is in confidence. Support can be given both in person and over the phone – we would encourage anyone who would like advice, guidance or support to give us a call… you never know where our chat could lead!
