help with putting in an electric shower for over 80s

reinhardt

My mum is over 80 and desperately need an electric shower installed but we can't afford it - any advice on grants etc for this type of thing she is not disabled or sick no private income - lives alone and struggles to get out of the bath and would feel safer with a shower

mandyc

Was either your Mum or your Dad in the Armed Forces? If so, contact SAFA (Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Families Association).

They will send a Caseworker to talk to your Mum and assess her need (this is not means tested) and will offer financial help if possible.

tanith

If your Mum struggles to get in and out of the bath then her local council might help... she should ask her GP or Practice Nurse if there would be any help to convert her bathroom.... it might take a while but at least the wheels would be in motion.

Coupon-mad

reinhardt wrote:

My mum is over 80 and desperately need an electric shower installed but we can't afford it - any advice on grants etc for this type of thing she is not disabled or sick no private income - lives alone and struggles to get out of the bath and would feel safer with a shower

The fact that she struggles to get out of the bath should be enough to get her on the list for an assessment at the local social services. There is usually a waiting list but they will then come and assess her needs and advise if she may be eligible for money towards the work.

She does not have to be 'registered disabled', just the fact she has some difficulty and infirmity due to her age is enough.

I used to work in a Daily Living Centre where free advice was given to anyone regarding getting equipment to ease disability or difficulty. Most clients were elderly and not 'disabled' as such. My DLC was connected to the Council Social Services assessment team and had an Occupational therapist on hand to advise at the Centre and demonstrate equipment (by appointment but free and with no sales involved, unlike the disability shops).

There are free Centres like these all over the Country, and IMO they are underused and underpublicised. Find your nearest Daily Living Centre (or Independent Living Centre) at https://www.DLCC.co.uk. The site is called 'Assist UK' and you can find the contact details of your nearest Centre, and use them even if you are not in the same County.

HTH