ESA or PIP Assessment for Wheelies or virtual's?

Brassedoff

Following the problems I had with getting a wheelchair, I had the examination as I put in the other thread, was told I was a cast iron case for having one and now after a few weeks are still waiting for it, I had a problem getting it, but that was resolved reasonable quickly.

I had the assessment and I need a special chair due to how tall I am, plus I will get a fitted pressure cushion. The lady told me that she had watched me from getting dropped off, to how I walked in to her office and it was clear I needed one.

I went to the OT wheelchair centre this week for "training". Been told that for several reasons, I should not be self wheeling at present, I have two planned ops, and definitely will not be able to self wheel. I was told that in an "ideal world" I should be in the motorised division instead of the self propelled regiment! But there is a different criteria and funds are short for it (that problem again) so will have to now wait and see. There are a few medical reasons why I cannot self propel which will only get worse after the ops (I am told).

So on the subject of the ATOS assessment, I would not have a clue how to answer their question when the time comes for them to assess me. I will have no choice but to be wheeled in by my carer, but where after that? One of the ops I need to have will result in having a ITDD inserting diamorphine via a catheter the OT tells me mean I can never self wheel as the stress and strains it places on the ITDD and catherter.

Will the HCP have to be experienced in that treatment and As complications are potentially life threatening? Will they just score on the self wheeling basis?

All worrying as it goes down hill every time I go to Hospital.

rogerblack

Brassedoff wrote: »

Will the HCP have to be experienced in that treatment and As complications are potentially life threatening? Will they just score on the self wheeling basis?

In principle, they should be aware of it.
However, ideally you'd have a letter from the OT stating you cannot self wheel, for the above reasons.

You are supposed to be able to do all the activites repeatably, reliably and safely, throughout the course of a working day.

bored_at_home

its easy, just tell them the truth!
theres no point worrying over it cos thats not gonna make a differance. you tell them the truth and one of two things happen. either they take it on board and log it all for the decision maker to see, or they dont and then you appeal and have a face to face ith the decision makerand dont go home until he says yes.

rogerblack

bored_at_home wrote: »

have a face to face ith the decision makerand dont go home until he says yes.

You never, ever meet the decision maker, or generally even talk to them on the phone.
This is a truly regrettable fact - it should be possible to talk to them.

Any representative sent by the DWP to appeal will not usually be the decision maker.

tinmanscarecrow

If you are worried ask someone from welfare rights to go with you for your assessment ,they will help support your claim.