Josephine (Jo) Nelson had been living with dementia and her husband, John, had cared for her at home. And because she lived at home her need for financial support had never been assessed.
John served in the RAF from 1946 until 1956 in the Middle East and at RAF Halton training recruits.
When John died suddenly Jo’s daughter Carol took her in – initially for six weeks. As she had been cared for at home, Jo was not ‘in the system’ and her local authority was unable to help as she was not deemed to be a risk to herself or others.
Then a leaflet landed on Carol’s doormat offering help to former RAF personnel and their families. After making contact, Carol was put in touch with the RAF Benevolent Fund’s Care and Housing Advocacy Executive, which was a great help in getting Jo correctly assessed and having her needs met.
The RAF Association also supported Carol, assigning her a welfare caseworker and helping her apply for other financial support – top-up fees to pay for her mother’s ongoing care costs.
Carol was very pleased with the help both charities provided. She said: “I was amazed with the support I received, as my mother didn’t serve in the RAF.
“I am absolutely indebted to the Association welfare officer who came to see me, she was so helpful with the financial side of things. What I appreciated more than anything was feeling listened to and understood at a very stressful time. ”
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