Thread: Re: Disability advise needed

Hi All
Sorry to ask but as my hubby has a brain tumour and has spinal degeneration in his lower back making walking difficult and has problems at times getting up and down the stairs . He is classed as severely disabled and I have got to reduce my working hours to qualify for working Tax Credits. I have been told that if we qualify, we should be able to apply for nome improvements to give my hubby a better quality of life. Our toilet bathroom is upstairs. Most homes now have a downstairs toilet as well. As his illness progresses he will have further mobility problems. Any one out there know where I can make enquiries? Surely we shouldn't have to put up with our current situation like this. Any pointers in the right direction would be so greatly appreciated.

Connie:?

Hi I have moved your post to a thread of your own it will get the attention that it needs here

If you want the title changing just ask


saint

Hi,
I'm sorry to hear of your troubles.
If you haven't done so, claim DLA then get onto Social Services. They are obliged to help even if it is just a commode chair. They may also provide grants to help with essential modifications to your home to enable him to live as normal a life as possible.
If he gets DLA with the care component at the middle rate or higher, you may be able to claim attendance allowance. This extra money could pay for someone to care for your husband for a couple of days so you get away. You need support as much as he does.
If you have any more questions, just ask.

fox

You could also try Macmillan cancer support for assistance, they can guide you in care and financial matters.

Originally Posted by Connie1963

I have been told that if we qualify, we should be able to apply for nome improvements to give my hubby a better quality of life. Our toilet bathroom is upstairs. Any one out there know where I can make enquiries?

Hello Connie1963, I was moved to another property that better suits my needs, due to my mobility problems, and all the rooms are now on the same floor so I don't have any stairs to contend with. I also have a Brain Injury and use "Headway" the brain injury association weekly, and there they will have tons of info specifically designed for and around people who have brain injuries and their carers, I'm not sure what area you are in so wouldn't know what drop in center you would be able to approach. Heres their link:Headway - the brain injury association
I am also aware that your local council will pay a maximum of £30,000 (thirty thousand pounds) toward any adaptations which may be required to your house.
I will assume that it is your own property and not rented? As if this is the case, then the landlord has to apply and give permission etc!
Have a look at the Disabled facilities Grant on the .Gov website:Disabled Facilities Grants - introduction : Directgov - Disabled people

Again, you will need to apply through your local council but here it tells you how to apply:Disabled Facilities Grants - how to apply : Directgov - Disabled people
And if it gets turned down, or the offer is not sufficient enough to cover the cost (some of the cost may be incurred by yourselves) then you will need to appeal to the Local Government Ombudsmen:Local Government Ombudsman • Home
Other than that, have a chat with your local or nearest Headway for other help and advice about brain injury and how they may be able to help you both out in the short and long term. And have a look at the above links for the information you need to get adaptations done to your home. Good luck to both of you and I wish you well

Sorry, I have just re-read you initial post again! (oh the joys of brain injury) And you DO NOT have to wait to be in receipt of working tax credits;
Who can get a Disabled Facilities Grant

You can claim if you, or someone living in your property, is disabled and:

• you, or the person on whose behalf you are applying, are either the owner or tenant (including licensees) of the property
• you can certify that you, or the person on whose behalf you are applying, intend to occupy the property as your/their only or main residence throughout the grant period - currently five years

A landlord may apply on behalf of a disabled tenant.
Disabled Facilities Grants are available in England, Wales and Northern Ireland only. Scottish residents should contact the social services department of their local council for information on any grants that may be available.


So who ever incorrectly informed you that you should be able to apply for some home improvements, is clearly new to the job:-|
Don't delay, claim today!