DLA where do you go from here?

kazzah60

bellidona wrote: »

Hello Karen

I hope you don't mind me chopping your post, but bits of if could actually be referring to me!

I am left feeling very weak........ because of my condition that keeps flaring up, unable to move easily and this means I need help from another person to help me into the shower, to help me wash my back ( or whatever....) to help me get out of the shower, when I have showered I need help from another person to dry me off as this action makes me feel very breathless/nauseous/tired....."

I take copious amounts of anti sickness medication and opiates to cope. But the DWP, completely ignored my statement.

they do need some evidence as to the care needs of the applicant

My consultant refused point blank to co-operate with the DWP, and my GP could only verify my condition, drugs etc.

Do you know how I can best get a report that identifies all of my needs as the GP is hopeless.
I don't get involved with SS. Used to years ago, but we had a kinda.. falling out, and I removed the Social Worker from my home. She was arogant, cheeky, nosey and downright rude. Since then I am on their books as a 'persona non grata'

Do you have a physiotherapist/occupational therapist who could produce a report for you?
a consultant prbably wouldn't be the most appropriate person to write a report- they tend to simply state the condition and the medication the patient is on - whereas you need someone to support your application regarding your care and mobility needs

if you don't have a physio or OT then the only other people would probably be social services - surely the same social worker wouldn't be assigned to you, even if they are still working there - perhaps you should make contact again

MDBJ

bellidona wrote: »

Thank you,
No I don't need either of those, well I don't think I do. I have too many people poking around me as it is!

Social workers are more trouble than they are worth. I was asking years ago for a small grant to put some grab rails up. She turned round to me and said that I could afford to do it myself - you have a car there, sell it to pay for the work!
I'd probably have to pay someone to take it away, it was an very old Volvo!

So no, I have seen the last of that lot, thank God.

I'd endorse the suggestion that you get an OT involved in an assessment. The one who has recently conducted a review for me was thoroughly professional (and pleasant) but didn't skimp and she spotted some things I'd missed myself.

Otherwise I'd agree that SW's tend to have predefined ideas of what disability "is" and the disabled "are" which means that they seem to find those with their wits about them and a clear view of life challenging for some reason. I might add that the only people from the so-called helping agencies I've ever fallen out with are SW's - especially those fresh out of the box, so to speak.

Fortunately I came across a rare beast a couple of years ago and we get on just fine. She knows where the door is and doesn't cause problems.

Careful_with_that_Axe

Does the local council have a Welfare Rights Officer who may be able to help/advise?

ramsas

Given that you say it some time since last applied i suggest you submit a new application,concentrate on the mobility and care needs, if they are genuine issues then you should pursue it until you get it.It is only right that if you fulfill the requirements that you get what you are lawfully entitled to..personally i would visit your GP with the form and tell them you are applying and would they be kind enough to submit a letter of support for you which you could attach with your application,although it will not entirely give proof of care needs it should in some way be descriptive enough for them to determine that mobility problems do exist.Times many they ask for further information and request a GP factual report so all you are doing is bringing this information to them at an earlier time.Be genuine in your application and add has much detail as you are able in the part where it gives you space for further information...above all do not give up..if you are entitled then get what you are due..good luck and dont give up.

Careful_with_that_Axe

bellidona wrote: »

I think that you will find that 'Welfare Rights Officers' have now packed up and gone from the councils.
They were the first to be axed last year in the 'Spending Review'.

Maybe only in some areas? I used one in January for a DLA Appeal and he is still alive and kicking.

MDBJ

bellidona wrote: »

I have noticed that it can be patchy. The North West (Manchester, Liverpool), the North East, some parts of the poorer parts of London and parts of the South West (Bristol) do continue to have them. In fact I have seen in the North they have 'walk in shops' of WRO's!

Unfortunately, Surrey, Hamps, Wilts, Kent, Mid England and many others have lost them.

The south-west is now pretty much devoid of any WRO's - where there were any. Bristol is only a very small part of the picture and as near as makes no difference was 4 hours travelling from my old base. Devon still has a welfare rights unit and although it's funded by DCC it's actually operated by CAB. The rest have been stripped out and standard advice is to go to CAB, Age Concern or the local Jobcentre for some obscure reason.