Disability help in Spain

[jobenalmadena]

My father in law comes home today after nearly 6 weeks in hospital in Malaga. He has had half of his left leg amputated. We have been told by the social worker from the hospital that there is finacial help and carers available if he has been a resident here for 5 years. The problem is - he has only been here for 4 years. Both myself and my partner work full time and we also have 2 children so we need someone to help care for him, but we just can't afford it. He receives his pension monthly from the UK and has worked all his life there, but hasn't worked here in Spain so he hasn't paid anything into the system. Can anybody help with information or advise on where we go from here?

[Chica]

Hi there.

to the forum.

Someone will be along soon to help with your query.

[SteveHall]

Welcome to the forum.

I am so sorry to hear of this. I wish him well.


a) I am NOT convinced that the information you have been given is correct and
b) as this is such a serious matter I think you should take this up with the British Consul in Málaga. I rarely suggest the consulates but as this is such a serious problem I think you need professional advice ...and fast

[jobenalmadena]

Thank you so much for your support, I really am at a point where I don't know where to turn! This is all new to me, I have only ever looked after my children so looking after a disabled relative really is quite frightening. He lost his leg due to a complication with his diabetes, so our whole life is now going to change, and quite frankly, this scares me.

[SteveHall]

Well, be calm, take professional advice and relax. If the consul cannot help I am sure they will know where you can go for assistance.

[jojo]

I know very little about this sort of thing other than on the British media a while ago there was a report on an issue similar to this, a chap who'd lived in spain for several years (cant remember how many) had been diagnosed with Alzheimers and needed assistance. His family in the UK were having to go and stay with him to help, but couldnt maintain this indefinately. His only option was to go back to the UK as the Spanish social services werent obliged to offer any help!

Theres also the fact that in the UK if you have over a certain ammount of savings home care has to be paid for!

There are care agencies in Spain who run services for this kinda thing, in fact theres one advertised on our local english radio in La Cala??. I dont know how much they cost tho, but maybe worth a ring, they're english run and for expats. They may well know how you can negotiate the system here too??????? I've actually been thinking about starting up something similar cos I used to do care work/nursing in the UK and found it a really rewarding job!

Jo xx

[jojo]

Originally Posted by jobenalmadena

Thank you so much for your support, I really am at a point where I don't know where to turn! This is all new to me, I have only ever looked after my children so looking after a disabled relative really is quite frightening. He lost his leg due to a complication with his diabetes, so our whole life is now going to change, and quite frankly, this scares me.

BTW, dont be scared hun, its not as hard as you think and if you do have to go down this route, you'll soon wonder what you worried about once you all get into a routine and come to terms with everything!!

Jo xx

[anles]

Hi Jobenalmadena,
The first thing you need to have done is to see the social worker to get your father-in-law's degree of disability assesed. To apply for the ley de dependencia, one of the requirements is a certificate stating you have been a resident for 5 years. However, this can take up to a year to be processed so further down the line you will be able to apply. There are other benefits and help available although I assume that they vary from community to community. I live in Galicia and my mum is disabled and she has been entitled to a home help, she had a discount on buying her automatic car and she doesn't have to pay road tax, although I have to apply each year for this. I am now in process of applying for the ley de dependencia as further complications have changed her situation. As I say, living in a different region some things may be different but please feel free to pm me if there is anything you would like to know.
regards,
Anles

[maro4me]

Originally Posted by jobenalmadena

Thank you so much for your support, I really am at a point where I don't know where to turn! This is all new to me, I have only ever looked after my children so looking after a disabled relative really is quite frightening. He lost his leg due to a complication with his diabetes, so our whole life is now going to change, and quite frankly, this scares me.

hi i dont know where in malaga you are but lux mundi center in torre del mar do a free home visit service plus equipment hire i have worked will children adults and elderly for 10 years with disabilitys of all kinds let me know where you are an maybe i could help out there is also helpx site where you can advertise they work volountry for food and accomadation let me know where you are in malaga ok dont worry

[maro4me]

Originally Posted by maro4me

hi i dont know where in malaga you are but lux mundi center in torre del mar do a free home visit service plus equipment hire i have worked will children adults and elderly for 10 years with disabilitys of all kinds let me know where you are an maybe i could help out there is also helpx site where you can advertise they work volountry for food and accomadation let me know where you are in malaga ok dont worry

also have 10 years exsperience in care with children adults and elderly with all kind of disabilities my lat job was working with brain injurys if anyone needs advice or some help or even a carer i am in the nerja area ok tke care all