help with stair lift

hopel_2

Hi i hope this is in the right place.

My mum has passed all of the tests to get a stair lift though our local council the crop team knew how important this is as my mum is in a wheelchair and we have to carry her up and down stairs in her wheelchair, we cannot have her sleeping in the sitting room as there is a gas fire.

Someone from the council looked at her benefit's and told her she would have nothing to pay.

But i phoned on fri and i was told yes everything as been passed but now the council does not have the money left to pay for the work because the council only gets so much money, I just don't know what to do next because my mum has been very ill i feel we are letting her down as we don't have the money to buy this stair lift.

Does anyone know if the council can look at any other ways to get my mum her stair lift.
Thanks

munchings-n-crunchings

Hello,

My initial thoughts are that you need to get your concerns in writing to the council.

I know how people pin all their hopes on an improvement like this, and it seems to be dashed at the last step.
If the budget has been spent, is that for the full financial year? We are only half way through.
If writing to the council doesn't get you anywhere, a letter to your MP might help, to see if they can intervene on your behalf.

My second thoughts, are about applying to a charity for help.
Like everything, charities have less money, but it is always worth a try.
Some large companies have their own benevolent schemes, or certain trades have charitable trusts / guilds.

Finally, there is voluntary groups like The Round Table or the Lions.
It could be worth writing, and explaining your mum's situation, and seeing if they can help.

If you need help, pm me, and I can have a look around, and see if I can see any options for your area, but can't promise anything.

Try the letter to the council / MP first, as you will then have it in writing where you stand.

Regards
Munchie

jazabelle

hopel - were you applying for a Disabled Facilities Grant from the council? As said above, they must be getting more money at the end of the financial year in April. Surely you could be on the list until then - they can't just say no. I mean that by the council can't boot you off it, I realise it is a very long time to wait if you're struggling.

Were you going through an adaptations type officer? They're all called something different! If you are then it may be a different budget to the Disabled Facilities Grant and you could go that route - but againt this takes a very long time. There are charities that can help with this process such as Anchor Staying Put.

You could go back to Social Services. They keep it quiet, but some do have a budget for this kind of thing - it's worth asking.

Was your mum in the armed forces? They have help for this sort of situation. I think that would be the Royal British Legion or SAAFA.

If she has a specific illness you could write to the charities related and explain your situation. There is every chance lots of others will do too, but it's worth a go.

Also - it's worth keeping an eye on the Freecycles in your area. They have gone on there before, and are free as long as you pick them up. Obviously you would have to pay for installation though.

There are also second hand places worth keeping an eye on, such as:
http://www.themobilitymarket.co.uk/
http://www.e-bility.com/classifieds/buyandsell.php
http://www.apparelyzed.com/disability-equipment/

Another idea is hiring one monthly, which reduces the cost and means you don't have to pay out at once. This could be a short term solution until they get some money?

Good luck and hope this gets sorted.

hopel_2

Hi.

Yes it was a Disabled Facilities Grant from the council. and when my mum was very ill in hospital they put her under the care of the crop team .

When someone called to do the means test he said you will have nothing to pay, But would he know how much money was left in the council ?

We find it very hard carrying my mum up and down stairs but she is our mum and we love her so much , but its very difficult she keeps on asking are you ok ? we say please don't worry about us.

Thank you for taking the time in giving me some great advice.
Take care.

jazabelle

I think probably the person that did the means test means that technically you wouldn't have to pay, but he probably isn't the person who looks after the budget so was unaware.

Not sure what a crop team is though.

It is a very difficult situation.

Someone above suggested you write to your MP - to be honest, I'm not sure this would do much. While you have every right to, if the council doesn't have any budget left, there isn't a lot they can do. You could ask your MP to write to the chief executive, or the cabinet members of the council suggesting more money is given to the grant scheme, as it's for elderly and disabled people who are the most vulnerable members of their borough and they should not run out of money so early in the financial year. You also also remind him that the so called 'silver vote' has a lot of weight!

I hope you find something that helps. Keep us updated! It may help others in a similar situation.

hopel_2

jazabelle wrote: »

I think probably the person that did the means test means that technically you wouldn't have to pay, but he probably isn't the person who looks after the budget so was unaware.

Not sure what a crop team is though.

It is a very difficult situation.

Someone above suggested you write to your MP - to be honest, I'm not sure this would do much. While you have every right to, if the council doesn't have any budget left, there isn't a lot they can do. You could ask your MP to write to the chief executive, or the cabinet members of the council suggesting more money is given to the grant scheme, as it's for elderly and disabled people who are the most vulnerable members of their borough and they should not run out of money so early in the financial year. You also also remind him that the so called 'silver vote' has a lot of weight!

I hope you find something that helps. Keep us updated! It may help others in a similar situation.

Thanks for your help.

hilstep2000

I got two stair lifts with a grant. Inside and outside. Inside one, I was on the list for two years. Outside one was done in eight months. Just depends when you apply, and how much money the council have left.
As others have said, make sure you are at the front of the queue April. Does your mother have an OT? If not, get the social services on board and get her one. They are very useful.

Angel3108

I would definately ask your mums OT if she has one, that is how we got one for our daughter.( your GP can refer you to an OT if she hasn't got one) Social services can also provide one, so it worth giving them a ring.

wolfehouse

you should not under any circumstances be having to 'carry' her up a flight of stairs. that would be against health and safety advice for anyone. and sounds dangerous for you and for her.

ask the social work ot department if there is any way you could borrow a peice of equipment called a stair climber until they get more money in the budget.

you could also contact your local carer's centre and ask for a carers assessment- they could then support your case or help you find alternatives.
they would also give you proper moving and handling training if necessary.

(i'm interested too- what is a crop team?)

Becc4

Any OT will only refer back to SS for the stairlift so all comes out of the councils budget,so dont think that will help. I really think you might just have to wait until the council has more money.

Why cant your mother be based downstairs whilst you wait for the stairlift? would that help short term..