I'm confused about DLA if using a walker

luminated

I currently get HRM as my maximum walking distance is from my front door to my car (on the drive) but some days not even that. My OT has said why not try a walker to which I have always said NOT likely I wont be seen dead using one of them (being a very stubborn macho male).

However my stubborn stance is dropping (slightly) as I am fed up with being so reliant on someone to push me in my wheelchair but if I were to try a walker & find I can walk more than 20 or 50 metres (whatever is the DLA distance) will my DLA stop as I may be able to cover the longer distance?

I've been trying to find a web page reference (on use of aids) but so far no luck.

DarkFallout

Unless you can walk comfortably over 50 metres/yards with a walker your DLA mobility award should not be stopped

If you still need to stop due to pain and discomfort with distances around or below 50 yards you are entitled to DLA high rate mobility

Please keep in mind that it is not only the distance that matters, but if you can manage it repeatedly, safely and reliably

PIP is another story and the walker is not so relevant. With PIP if your arms are fine and you can propel a wheelchair around you will not be scored on mobilizing

Hope this helps

luminated

Thanks for that I've my doubts about getting far due to the three different problems that currently stop me walking. But saying that I am hoping to borrow a near neighbours walker, or visiting a mobility shop for a go.

When I was notified of my DLA award I am surprised they don't investigate if the immobility would be the same/as bad then if aids were used.

Brassedoff

luminated wrote: »

I currently get HRM as my maximum walking distance is from my front door to my car (on the drive) but some days not even that. My OT has said why not try a walker to which I have always said NOT likely I wont be seen dead using one of them (being a very stubborn macho male).

However my stubborn stance is dropping (slightly) as I am fed up with being so reliant on someone to push me in my wheelchair but if I were to try a walker & find I can walk more than 20 or 50 metres (whatever is the DLA distance) will my DLA stop as I may be able to cover the longer distance?

I've been trying to find a web page reference (on use of aids) but so far no luck.

Please do not take my post as criticism, its not meant to be. If I were in your shoes I would be thinking about mobilising as far as I can by any method. Claiming a benefit should or would be the last thing on my mind.

Otherwise you will be restricting your abilities in order to receive benefit. Just what the government and Daily [STRIKE]Nazi[/STRIKE] Mail are looking for.

Torry_Quine

luminated wrote: »

I currently get HRM as my maximum walking distance is from my front door to my car (on the drive) but some days not even that. My OT has said why not try a walker to which I have always said NOT likely I wont be seen dead using one of them (being a very stubborn macho male).

However my stubborn stance is dropping (slightly) as I am fed up with being so reliant on someone to push me in my wheelchair but if I were to try a walker & find I can walk more than 20 or 50 metres (whatever is the DLA distance) will my DLA stop as I may be able to cover the longer distance?

I've been trying to find a web page reference (on use of aids) but so far no luck.

You should ask your GP for a referral to a phsio to be assessed as to the suitability of a zimmer frame for you, is there a reason people have been calling it a walker? If they think it appropriate then it would be supplied free of charge and fitted to your height requirement.

luminated

Thanks for help & after trying out one today it is not going to be any good for me. Somehow I had it in my mind when I posted it could be a good solution to get me out & about but it still needs basic balancing skills of which I am devoid most of the time. Strength of which I run at extremely low levels all the time & legs that work to a certain extent and mine are quite dead from the knees down.

Ah well I will again look into an electric scooter but fear I am usually too tired to even control one so will carry on for now being pushed around in wheelchair one, or wheelchair two with the motor as supplied by my local hospital service after being prescribed by my GP & OT.

Not sure what is wrong with the term walkers as that is what they are called by my OP & Physios? Zimmer (I have been prescribed an indoor one) is an old fashioned terms - isn't it?

Torry_Quine

luminated wrote: »

Thanks for help & after trying out one today it is not going to be any good for me. Somehow I had it in my mind when I posted it could be a good solution to get me out & about but it still needs basic balancing skills of which I am devoid most of the time. Strength of which I run at extremely low levels all the time & legs that work to a certain extent and mine are quite dead from the knees down.

Ah well I will again look into an electric scooter but fear I am usually too tired to even control one so will carry on for now being pushed around in wheelchair one, or wheelchair two with the motor as supplied by my local hospital service after being prescribed by my GP & OT.

Not sure what is wrong with the term walkers as that is what they are called by my OP & Physios? Zimmer (I have been prescribed an indoor one) is an old fashioned terms - isn't it?

Nothing wrong with the term, I've just always heard them called zimmer frames not walkers. You said you wouldn't be seen using one but already have one and people must have seen you.

If you already have one then I'm very confused as I wasn't aware that there were seperate ones for indoor and outdoor use.

luminated

Torry_Quine wrote: »

Nothing wrong with the term, I've just always heard them called zimmer frames not walkers. You said you wouldn't be seen using one but already have one and people must have seen you.

If you already have one then I'm very confused as I wasn't aware that there were seperate ones for indoor and outdoor use.

Yes I have one (prescribed by my OT) for indoors to get me to the bog overnight as I tend to need to go pee about 6 or 7 times and my balance is extremely poor due to getting up from laying down. And who on earth, apart from my wife, is going to see me as I do keep the curtain closed you know :huh:.