1It's really good to see you, Tom.
2Since I had to give up work, I feel I'm losing touch with my friends and colleagues.
3We really miss you in the office.
4We were all so sorry you had to leave.
5But you must be relieved to have more time to look after your mother.
6How is she?
7Well, she is very cheerful, but she needs a lot of help.
8Have you tried to get any support from the local council?
9No, I didn't know I could.
10Yes, they offer different kinds of practical support.
11They realise that carers sometimes need time for all the other responsibilities they have,
12apart from the person they're caring for,
13and also that they sometimes need a break.
14Absolutely.
15Okay, so tell me more.
16How do I go about getting this support?
17Well, you'd have to have an assessment of your mother's needs.
18That means someone would come round and talk to you about the situation and what you need.
19So, for a start, they'd want to know the amount of time you spend looking after your mother every day.
20Okay.
21Then they'll probably ask you what sorts of tasks you do for your mother during the day.
22Things like if she needs help with getting dressed, for example.
23Right, I help her with that.
24And also I help her get into the shower in the morning.
25Yes, that sort of thing.
26They'll probably ask you if you do the shopping for her
27and help her at meal times.
28And whether she can cope using money.
29Yes, that's becoming a bit of a problem.
30She used to be very good at it, but not anymore.
31And be ready to tell them about anything you find particularly difficult about caring for your mother.
32So, recently I've noticed she's started to have quite bad problems with her memory.
33If I wasn't there, I think she'd forget to eat, for example.
34And often she doesn't seem quite sure what day it is.
35Yes, tell them about that.
36And are there any physical difficulties you have caring for her?
37Lifting her, for example?
38Yes, she's quite heavy
39and I'm afraid of hurting my back.
40I'd be in real trouble if that happened.
41They can give you advice about that and also about how to avoid the possibility of your mum having a fall.
42Great.
43So once they've done this assessment, if I'm eligible, what happens next?
44Well, they might support you financially.
45So they might help you with transport costs,
46like if you have to get a taxi to take your mother for an appointment, for example.
47I usually drive her myself, actually.
48So, could I claim for the petrol?
49You could.
50And you can claim for the insurance too.
51Oh, right.
52And if you need help with the housework, they can arrange for someone to come along once or twice a week.
53And one other thing.
54I hope you don't mind me saying this, but it's important you look after yourself.
55And it seems to me you're under quite a bit of stress.
56I am, yes.
57Well tell the council because they may be able to give you some advice on how to minimise it.
58Really?
59Though, actually, I feel so much better having talked to you.
60I'll get in touch with the council straight away.
61Now, shall we go for coffee...