letters from relatives for evidence for PIP

Hi roseof sharon

We don't have a template for supporting letters - as you say they are very individual.

I would look at the pip questions and see what they have knowledge of: 
So for example:  Question 3 - Preparing Food - what knowledge do they have about the claimant and whether they can cook. This shouldn't be what they have been told, it should be what they might have seen for themselves.  Question 11 - Mixing with other people - have they observed the claimant struggling, or perhaps they have seen the claimant refuse to leave the house because they are too scared.

They don't have to be able to speak to every question, but if they can base their letter on the questions it will make it much easier. (This is how I do it.) They should also make it clear how they know the claimant and how many years.

Some people often think these letters aren't taken seriously, but they can make a huge difference and are well worth submitting. I've done quite a lot of these letters for friends and family members. 

Hi,

Hopefully the below will help.

Regards
Pete

Caring for A N Other 16/08/1963 NI No. AA00000A
To whom it may concern,
We are documenting the care we provide for Mrs Other on a daily basis. The majority of the care is provided by Mr Other (her partner) or, when he is unavailable by Miss Other (her daughter who lives very close by).
The following is the care and support we provide.
Morning
1. Help Mrs Other to the bathroom, she is always extremely stiff and in pain when she first wakes up.
2. At least once per week help her to sit on toilet and to get up again (despite the raised toilet seat).
3. Support her to the perching stool in the walk-in shower.
4. Open and squeeze shampoo and shower gel bottles for her and wash her hair.
5. Towel dry her hair, feet and toes.
6. Make breakfast (porridge and berries) and hot drinks and clear away. It is not safe for her to be in kitchen. Risk of falling.
7. Prepare her morning medication into a cup and make sure she takes it.
8. Help her dress, doing up her bra, helping her on with her top and doing up any zips and buttons. Additionally, at least once a week, help her with putting on her knickers and trousers. On the few occasions she wears socks I put these on for her. When required, at least twice per week, I put on an ankle support for her. Put on her boots.
9. Support her to the car (weekdays).
Lunchtime
1. Make lunch and clear away again not safe for her to be in the kitchen. Risk of falling.
2. Prepare and ensure she takes her lunchtime pain medication.
3. Once pain medication kicks in work with her to do exercises recommended by physio.
Dinnertime
1. Take off her boots and the ankle support or socks (if worn).
2. Make dinner and clear away again not safe for her to be in kitchen. Risk of falling.
3. Cut up her food where necessary. For example, chops or beef.
Bedtime
1. Encourage her to go to bed (she often feels her neck is too painful for her to move)
2. Prepare and ensure she takes her night-time medication.
3. Help her undress Unbutton/unzip her top and remove it. Undo her bra and remove it. Occasionally (once a week) when she is in serious pain remove her trousers and knickers.
Ad-hoc
1. Help her to the toilet as required. The number of times will depend on how bad she feels that day.
2. Make her drinks throughout the day.
3. Physically support her for any trips out. Helping her in and out of the car. Either providing my arm for support or for longer distances pushing her in the wheelchair.
4. Visits to Health Professionals. To ensure Mrs Other does not underplay her problems. To hear first-hand about any suggested treatments.
5. Help her to get up after falls.

Thank you for your consideration
Yours faithfully