Guidance on levels of care and attention
There are no conditions which automatically qualify the carer for this assistance. Each case will
be different and needs to be considered on an individual basis.
To help determine if the carer is providing the level of care and attention required to qualify,
we have provided the following illustrative examples.
Example 1 – Respiratory conditions
Anne is a two-year-old child with respiratory problems who requires home oxygen and overnight apnoea monitoring. She has had several emergency hospital admissions in the last year. Anne’s mother is the main carer and Anne’s grandmother cares for her in the mornings, so that her mother can catch up on sleep.
Anne’s mother is likely to qualify for DPB-CSI.
Suggested review period – In three years (when the child is five years of age).
Eva is a three-year-old who requires daily medication for asthma and has had a couple of short hospital admissions. She goes to playgroup with her father and the young woman next door looks after Eva and her siblings once a week to allow her father some time away from home. Eva’s father is at home full-time caring for three children.
Eva’s father is unlikely to qualify for DPB-CSI.
Example 2 – Cerebral Palsy
Tane is a six-year-old boy with spastic quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy. Tane needs frequent specialised care (such as gastrostomy feeding, home oxygen and suctioning). He goes to school but is unable to attend several times a month. Tane’s mother volunteers for a few hours a week during school hours and is able to take time off when he is unable to go to school.
Tane’s mother is likely to qualify for DPB-CSI.
Suggested review period – Never.
Paul is an eight-year-old boy with spastic diplegic Cerebral Palsy who requires splints or crutches to walk. He needs more help with dressing and his personal cares than a typical eight-year-old boy. He goes to school and Paul’s mother works part-time during school hours.
Paul’s mother is unlikely to qualify for DPB-CSI.
Example 3 – Autism Spectrum Disorders
Robert is a twelve-year-old boy with Autism. He has extremely disruptive behaviour that is difficult to manage and he needs constant supervision. His mother cannot work because she frequently has to go to school when they cannot manage his aggressive behaviour. Robert’s mother is often exhausted due to disrupted sleep because Robert wakes frequently and needs assistance during the night.
Robert’s mother is likely to qualify for DPB-CSI.
Suggested review period – In three years.
Rose is a nine-year-old girl with Autism. She goes to school full-time with the assistance of a teacher aide. She is able to stay with close family friends and family. Rose’s father works during school hours so that he can be home for Rose after school.
Rose’s father is unlikely to qualify for DPB-CSI.
Example 4 –Down’s Syndrome
Graham is a 20-year-old man with Down’s Syndrome and diabetes who lives with his brother. Graham has significant cognitive impairments and difficulties communicating with people who are not used to his speech. He requires assistance from his brother with his daily cares, planning his day, managing finances, and getting to and from his day programme. Graham is unable to manage his diabetes without regular monitoring.
Graham’s brother is likely to qualify for DPB-CSI.
Suggested review period – Never.
Josh is a 36-year-old man with Down’s Syndrome. He lives in a flat with his 40-year-old cousin, Tom, who helps him get dressed, prepare for bed, and ensures that he takes his medication. Josh takes public transport to a vocational service several times a week.
Josh’s cousin Tom is unlikely to qualify for DPB-CSI.
Example 5 – Multiple Sclerosis
Rebecca is a 45-year-old woman with Multiple Sclerosis whose condition is progressive (no longer relapsing-remitting). She uses a wheelchair and requires help with personal care activities because of her decreasing co-ordination. Rebecca is also now experiencing cognitive impairments and emotional distress. Her sister could provide care for Rebecca at home.
Rebecca’s sister is likely to qualify for DPB-CSI.
Suggested review period – Never.
Lisa is a 29-year-old woman with Multiple Sclerosis. She is normally independent but has recently had a relapse. She has lost her independent mobility and is very fatigued and dizzy. Lisa currently receives Home Help and nursing visits. Her friend has moved in because Lisa is unable to care for herself and it is unsafe for her to be left alone for long periods.
Lisa’s friend is also likely to qualify for DPB-CSI.
Suggested review period – In three months.
Example 6 – Mental health
Antony is a 32-year-old post graduate student diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He recently experienced his first hypomanic episode, followed by major depression. He has attempted self harm and from time-to-time expresses suicide ideation. He does not want to go to hospital but without regular encouragement does not take his medication. He has returned home to live with his mother for the time being. She monitors his mood, liaises with his community mental health team, and is providing daily care while he is unwell.
Antony’s mother is likely to qualify for DPB-CSI.
Suggested review period – In six months.
Tania is a 37-year-old woman with bipolar disorder. Tania is in regular contact with a community mental health team and is admitted to the local acute in-patient unit about once a year. Tania lives alone but her sister helps her manage her finances and household.
Tania’s sister is unlikely to qualify for DPB-CSI.
Example 7 – Cancer
Kevin is an 85-year-old man who has advanced prostate cancer. His son is taking care of his finances, driving him to treatments and helping him with his personal cares. Kevin’s son helps with medication management, oversees daily household issues, and sleeps over at his father’s house as Kevin is at risk of falling.
Kevin’s son is likely to qualify for DPB-CSI.
Suggested review period – Never.
Sue is a 40-year-old woman who has recently had surgery for breast cancer. She is receiving chemotherapy and on medication to manage her pain. Her husband works and Sue’s sister is helping her during the day with some household activities (laundry, cooking, cleaning) and will sometimes help with other activities when Sue is fatigued as she has turned down home support.
Sue’s sister is unlikely to qualify for DPB-CSI.
Example 8 – Stroke
Leilani is a 62-year-old woman who had a stroke and is now leaving hospital. She needs help with her personal cares and activities during the day, medication management and has difficulties with speech. She has been assessed by the NASC and is eligible for rest home care. Leilani does not want to go into care and her daughter is willing to give up work to remain at home with her.
Leilani’s daughter is likely to qualify for DPB-CSI.
Suggested review period – In six months.
Tipene is a 50-year-old man who had a stroke and lives by himself. He is able to mobilise with a walking frame, and is receiving home support for his personal cares, meal preparation and housework. He has a medical alarm in case of emergency. This level of care is sufficient to meet his needs, however he wants his daughter to move in with him and provide support as he believes this is what she should do.
Tipene’s daughter is unlikely to qualify for DPB-CSI.
Example 9 – Dementia
Frank is an 80-year-old man with moderate dementia. He lives with his daughter and cannot be left alone because of his disorientation and tendency to wander. His daughter is managing the household and his finances. She assists with his self-care and ensures her father’s safety.
Frank’s daughter is likely to qualify for DPB-CSI.
Suggested review period – Never.
Jane is a 50-year-old woman with early onset dementia. Her daughter manages her finances and helps around the home on weekends. Jane receives meals on wheels and home help.
Jane’s daughter is unlikely to receive DPB-CSI at this stage of her dementia but this may change as the dementia progresses.
Example 10 – Frail Elderly
Phyllis is an 83-year-old woman and is generally in good health. Phyllis’ eyesight is deteriorating significantly and her hearing is limited. She has fallen twice in the last few months and the second fall resulted in a fracture. It is now unsafe for her to be alone at home. Her 51-year-old neighbour has offered to give up work and assist Phyllis during the day with some domestic tasks, shopping and transport. Phyllis’ neighbour would also stay overnight as Phyllis often has to get up during the night and is prone to falling.
Phyllis’ neighbour is likely to qualify for DPB-CSI.
Suggested review period – Never.
Terry is an 86-year-old man who has recently hurt his leg in a minor fall. Terry now lives with his granddaughter as he did not want to remain alone in his home as he was getting lonely. His granddaughter ensures he gets up in the mornings and has breakfast, and a District Nurse visits to change his dressings on his leg ulcer. Terry continues to play bridge and get out on a regular basis.
Terry’s granddaughter is unlikely to qualify for DPB-CSI.

