Tag Archives: carers

Tragedy of Liverpool mum who died penniless after her benefits stopped

Distraught family say Annette Francis, who suffered from severe mental illness, was let down by the authorities

A mum-of-one suffering from severe mental illness died without any money after her disability benefits dried up.

Annette Francis, 30, was found dead at her Garston home two weeks ago, leaving behind 11-year-old son  Kieron.

Her distraught family say Annette  was let down by the authorities in the  months leading up to her death.

At the time of the tragedy, Annette had spent six months without receiving a single penny in benefits, her aunt Ann Sorotos claims.

Fine print of care rules could ‘screen out’ frail elderly and disabled, charities warn

New frailty test for social care hinges on “worryingly vague” notion of “well-being”, charities say

Fine print of care rules could ‘screen out’ frail elderly and disabled, charities warn

Dementia sufferers and disabled people could be “screened out” of the care system by a loophole in the fine print of new rules to decide whether people are frail enough to qualify, charities have warned.

Carers: what is a day in your life really like?‬ Share your experiences

If you’re a carer we want to hear from you. What is your day really like? Share your stories, pictures and experiences

 
Tim Ranson with his son, Danny. ‘You don’t choose the job, it chooses you.’ Photograph: TimmRanson/GuardianWitness

‪If you’re a carer, you might be familiar with the statistics: that there are 6.5 million unpaid carers in the UK and that informal caring saves the UK economy £119bn a year. Or you might have only recently realised you’re a carer; looking after a family member, partner or friend can be so natural that it seems odd that it has a name.‬