REGULAR FEATURE:

YOUR QUERIES AND RESPONSES:

 Please write to the Editor or pose a question to a Field Officer, who then may be in a position to send in the query and answer for publication. We shall adopt S.P. as the initials of "our special person with HD" and in that way confidentiality is observed.

S.P. was made redundant at work and has been out of work for some months, now. He appears unable to get up and get going in the mornings and really misses not being in paid work. Apart from the loss of earnings, the loss of occupation is adding to our home stresses. Any help?

This is perhaps a very critical time of transition for anyone facing a loss of employment and all the benefits associated with it. For S.P. the feelings may be heightened leading to a decrease in motivation and difficulty in sorting out what to do next. You will need to evaluate the whole situation in relationship to S.P. and his potential to return to employment, as it applies in your local area. 

 Then it is wise to seek some professional help in getting correct information about a work skills assessment for S.P. You also need correct information about WINZ services, WORKBRIDGE services, paid employment options (fulltime, part-time, different work, temporary work etc.) so that you can match S.P's abilities to possible employment vacancies.

 Sometimes your own networking through friends and associates can result in some special arrangements for paid work, or failing that volunteer work.

Volunteer work may be an option to give a sense of occupation and to bring back some of the workplace benefits. But this work needs to match the abilities and interests of S.P.

 If these options are not possible (could be for a myriad of reasons), then a transition to early retirement may be the best alternative. This transition may need a guiding hand from a person who understands. It can be hard for some people to find a reason to get up and keep a regular day-night routine without the discipline of having to go to work.

 Most of us need to feel needed and to be occupied. S.P. especially needs this to keep his brain and body active.

S.P. keeps spending money (phone bills, internet, "luxuries") when we are trying to keep to a tight budget.

§          Communication and discussion needs to be firm and clear.

§          Try for separate "pocket money limits".

§          Get advice and assistance from the family members to find solutions.

§          Use the local Budgeting Services: Citizens Advice Bureau will know.

§          Try and convince S.P. to cancel credit cards and the like.

§          If the situation becomes a big financial one, seek legal advice.