That's brilliant, thanks for the link. I have already spoken with Social Services and they didn't mention this at all, just suggested I contacted Citizens Advice Bureau!

Many thanks again, I'll follow this up

Hi - You need not give up your job at all if you don't want to, your Mother is entitled to help with a scheme called Direct payments, after an assessment is carried out by the LA.. payments will be paid direct to your Mum who can then employ a carer for all her needs as defined by the assessment, which they will initially carry out to see what she needs help with and the budget she will require.

People can opt for this so they can arrange their own care needs privately, instead of relying on the social services to provide them, In your Mum's case she may be able to employ you to help her out, if that is what you both wish unless you live in the same house then (exceptional circumstances) would apply..

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/DG_10016128

I'm seriously considering giving up work to care for my very sick mum. I currently have a very stressful job, working 12 hr days and travel 1.5hrs per day (plus some work on weekends). I therefore cannot continue to do this work and have care responsibilities as well. Mum currently has carers coming to her home 4 times a day which is now not enough, and really does not want to go into a home.

I am 50yrs and currently earn £50,000, with 20 years in a teachers' pension scheme. I also still owe £35,000 on my mortgage. I am divorced so have no other source of income, I also support my daughter currently at university and my son currently in an FE College.

Mum has her own house (worth approx £140,000), about £15,000 in savings and currently has a pension and disability benefits.

Would anyone be able to give me advice on my pension / benefits. I obviously need to be able to live for however long she remains alive, I would then look to return to some sort of work. I would prefer not to sell her house and live off the proceeds if possible (although this would have to be shared 50:50 with my brother). Any help would be gratefully received, as I really want to be able to help mum but I'm terrified at the potential financial situation.