02 May 2025 | The Gurkha Centre | Hayes | By Hari Bhandari
Background:
Mrs Hira Maya Gurung, widow of Rifleman Mohan Bahadur Gurung (1st/2nd Gurkha Rifles), relocated to the UK in September 2013. Despite changes to immigration policies allowing Gurkha family reunification, financial constraints limited her ability to bring her five adult children to the UK immediately. Eventually, two children joined her in July 2021, followed by three more in September 2023. All now reside and work in Hounslow.
Presenting Issue:
Mrs Gurung has been bed-bound for three years, significantly impacting her daily living and care needs. Following an emergency hospitalisation in June 2024, she was unable to return home due to unsuitable living conditions. Limited space at her Hounslow residence meant necessary medical equipment (hospital bed, recliner, hoist trolley table) could not be accommodated. This resulted in prolonged hospital and care home stays until October 2024, when her family relocated her to a more spacious property in Staines.
Financial and Administrative Challenges:
Mrs Gurung receives pension credit and housing benefits, managed by her adult children due to her immobility and incapacity. Her children had to make multiple journeys to cash machines to withdraw limited daily amounts, causing inconvenience and logistical difficulties. When her daughter, Sher Maya Gurung, sought assistance from Barclays Bank in Hounslow in March 2025 to withdraw a larger sum, the bank confiscated her mother’s card, citing improper use despite explanations, identification documents, and an ongoing Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) application. Additionally, previous attempts to update Mrs Gurung’s address with Barclays Bank were unsuccessful despite physical attendance, creating further bureaucratic barriers.
Intervention and Support Provided:
The family approached our service after unsuccessful attempts to resolve issues independently and through community support. Initial assessment identified unresolved conflicts in the ongoing LPA process. Efforts to clarify the LPA status through the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) revealed incomplete documentation, requiring further action. Given complexities, a home visit was conducted by our multidisciplinary team (Independent Social Worker, Well-being Officer, and Community Nurse).
During this assessment:
- Mrs Gurung was found to lack capacity regarding financial decision-making, eliminating the feasibility of completing the LPA process.
- Deputyship was considered but rejected due to prohibitive costs.
- Appointeeship was recommended as the most feasible alternative for managing her finances.
Action Plan and Outcomes:
- The Gurkha Centre is facilitating the Housing Benefit payments directly to the landlord for secure rental payments.
- The Gurkha Centre is coordinating with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to cease payments into the compromised Barclays account.
- The Gurkha Centre is supporting Mrs Gurung’s daughter to open a new bank account at our next HSBC Pop-Up Banking session, aiming to effectively redirect future benefit payments.
Additional Support:
Mrs Gurung receives commissioned care four times daily from two carers to maintain her personal care, hygiene, and well-being. Additionally, one son remains with her 24/7 as a full-time carer, with other children providing support around their work commitments.
Conclusion:
This case highlights systemic disadvantages faced by Gurkha families due to language barriers, cultural differences, and rigid bureaucratic systems unfamiliar to them. It is an example of our ongoing commitment to advocate for Gurkha veterans and their families, ensuring they receive appropriate help and support, thus promoting their well-being and reducing stress and administrative burdens.
