If he is entitled to AA, perhaps I can give a little encouragement.
I applied for it for my mother in 2006, and was able to do it by talking with a very helpful supervisor and by writing a letter to her room number, even. She was so sympathetic and helpful. I wrote down all the things I observed that made every day life hard for my mother, and didn't even have to show it to her for a signature. I left the level of AA to the supervisor. My mother got the higher rate, backdated, and an increase in pension credit! So there has been one caring and helpful person in the system - there may be more.
Good luck.
