Help with cost of home improvements- disabled child

WifeofDJFLP

Hi

my eldest son (14) is currently in reciept of DLA (high rate mobility and care) we've recently had the devastating news that as well as his existing condition he has scoliosis and will require extensive surgery.

During his period of rehabilitation he will be unable to use the bath- we currently have no shower and due to the age and state of our house it'd be a big (expensive) job to get one fitted.

We own our own home (well, rent from the bank anyway!) and I'm toying with the idea of either further borrowing on the mortgage or a 6 month payment holiday to pay for the necessary improvements but I wanted to know if there was any other way to get help with the cost before I committ us to more debt.

I'd also welcome any advice from anyone with experience of scoliosis.

TIA

WifeofDJFLP
xxx

Js_Other_Half

Your first port of call should be your local social services department asking for an assessment? It may be that he meets the criteria for the Disabled Facilities Grant- in our area that is up to £30 000 - this is to meet basic needs such as bathing and toileting.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/HomeAndHousingOptions/YourHome/DG_4000642

I am aware of families who have topped up the money themselves to have what they want done - eg a two floor extension rather than just a one floor extension.

Don't start spending your own money until you've had expert advice. If the grant is for a child to access basic facilities, then it's means tested on the child's income-not the parents - and DLA dooesn't count.

hth

WifeofDJFLP

Thanks for that, should've said we're in Scotland but the site you linked to gives some relevant advice.

WifeofDJFLP
xxx

elainew

An elderly neighbour of ours has MS and other health problems. She couldnt make it into the bath so social services fitted her with an adaptored bathroom including a sit in shower for free and they also deal with the upkeep of it. We are in South Lanarkshire.
Give them a ring and see what you can get.
good luck
Elaine x

**Patty**

Some more info:


The first thing you will need from SS is an assessemnt by an Occupational Therapist. I strongly suggest you put this in writing (as they have a habit of forgetting phone calls:rolleyes: )

Explain everything to the OT when they come out, and ask her about applying for a DFG.

Meanwhile.....also speak to your child's consultant & ask that they be prepared to write a report as support for your application.

If you have a SW, get them involved too. (rarer than hens teeth, i know )

Worst of all is the wait The wheels at SS grind very slowly but it does depend upon the budget constraints in your area.

lynzpower

Do you have a social worker? If your child has a disabilty, then they are automatically a CHILD IN NEED in the eyes of the children act, and you are entitled to an assessment, to see what help and support you need, clearly issues with the bathroom is making your job to care for your child downright impossible, and the children & families social worker should be working in tandem with the OT to undertake the DFG grant

DONT buy it first and ask later, as if yu start paying for iut you will get zero help- you must get the DFG involved first!

thewestfive

hi there,

i don't have any advise however my 14 year old son is due to have spinal surgery on 16 september to correct scoliosis. He is also on high rate care and mobility DLA. We have had several adaptations to our housing association house and social services have paid for it.

smileykylie_2

Just to say that many local authorities have a very long waiting list for OT assessments some up to over a year and that is just for the assessment any grant applications and works need to be added on to this time wise.
You need to ring your local Child Disability team asap as the Occupational therapists are often based within the team and they can give you some guidance.

louise3965

Did either of you ever serve in the armed forces? Slim chance but if you did, pm me

slummymummyof3

If your child is 'disabled' you can usually obtain funding from your LA to assist with alterations to your property to accomodate said child. Scoliosis correction is amazing - orthopaedics is phenomenal these days!

hellokittygal

I dont know if you have tried them but the family fund were fantastic in helping us with the basics such as washing machine etc up till my brother was 16. With your son being 14 you may be able to get a little bit of help from them.

http://www.familyfund.org.uk/

Do you have Beth Johnson group http://www.bethjohnson.org/ in your area or another housing organisation?
We were going to have an extension on our house for my brother and they were going to fund it and build it. Not sure exactly what department but im sure with a few phonecalls you coud find out.

Good luck.