Poorly brother

Bubby

My brother has a very severe complicated case of Crohnes disease. He has been unable to work for over a year and will be unable to work for the forseeable future. He is currently in hospital and is today being transferred to a specialist bowel disease hospital for a further major operation which unfortunately won't be his last. He needs help to move around due to one of his legs being completely stiff where a leak from his bowel caused an absess to form which is being re-dressed every day. He also has lumps in his back which the consultant thinks are infected fluid which means he may need surgery on his back.
He is currently on esa but from what I have read I believe he may be entitled to dla can anyone give any advice?

thanks for listening

dawnsong

i can't advise re: dla, though i would have thought he would be eligible if he has mobility probs and care needs.

in case of use
most water companies have water assist schemes, to help people who have need of a higher water usage due to certain illnesses, crohn's disease is one of the illnesses they will often help with.

best wishes
dawnsong

McKneff

nothing to stop him applying for it. Have a look on the gov. website, i think there is a form you can download.

munchings-n-crunchings

Hello,

DLA is not an easy benefit to apply for.
When you fill out the forms, it can be quite shocking to see how a condition affects a person, especially when it is written down in black and white.
A lot of what you will need to say, may feel undignified, but it's necessary to give a full account, not exaggerated, but of good days, bad days etc.

The more you understand about the application process, the more effective your application will be.
One of the main reasons for being turned down at the initial application, is the lack of information and detail provided.

Have a look at this information. Use the tabs on the left hand side.
http:///www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/medical-conditions/a-z-of-medical-conditions/crohns-disease/

This is the a reference that the DWP will use to look at how a condition is likely to affect a person.

Now have a look here, and read all the terms, and relate them to how much, and what type of care your brother needs.
http://www.benefitsnow.co.uk/dmakers/default.asp

When you get the application forms, use blank paper first, so that you know you have covered all the points, it's easier to add and amend this way.

Make an appointment with an advice organisation. Many people do this, only when they have been refused.
Go armed with all the information, that you have written down. Get copies of medical reports from the GP, Hospital etc, and a list of medication.

Welfare Rights can be contacted through your council. They are trained to deal with benefits.
There is DIAL http://www.dialuk.info These are a disability advice organisation, often staffed by people who are themselves disabled.
There is also the CAB.

Good luck with your application,

Regards
Munchie