h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Having spent a number of years looking after my Mother who had senile dementia there is a lot in this article that I can relate to. It is well written and covers the difficulties in a very comprehensive way.

The part about what happens when the person you are looking after dies or moves into full time care was particularly interesting as I found myself in this position.

My Mother was the tenant of the house we lived in and when she died the tenancy died with her as she had inherited the tenancy from my Father. If this had been Scotland it would have been different as under Scottish Law, close relatives can inherit the tenancy regardless of how many time it has been passed on previously.

One thing I did find out when I was trying hard to stay in the house that had been my home for many, many years is that the European Court of Human Rights had made a ruling that people in my circumstances where bereavement was involved should be given six months grace before they are forced to move.

Fortunately, my Local Authority was a bit more compassionate and it was twelve months before I had to move out. They were adamant that I would have to move and they did find me other accommodation that was acceptable which they were obliged to do by Law.

Donald

Hi Donald

I was especially interested to read your reply because I wasn't aware of this piece of information. I think it will be useful to a lot of carers. It was also a relief to hear your local authority found you acceptable accomodation which isn't always the case from what I've heard.

Many thanks for this information and I hope as many carers as possible get to know about this.

Incatatus101