disability and social housing

Flooz

Not sure if I'm posting in the right area - but I hope so.

Can anyone point me in the right direction of rules/regulations/legislation regarding bathroom facilities for a disabled person in a housing association bungalow.

My MIL was moved to a bungalow approx. 18 months ago, she is unable to use a normal bath, but it was mentioned at the time of moving and the housing association assured her that a shower with seat would be fitted once the new budget was available, which was supposed to be a couple of months later.

Guess what - she's still waiting, and is getting nowhere with speaking to either social services or the housing association.

I think it's time (well beyond it actually) to put something formal in writing, but I haven't a clue what we should be quoting.

Can someone help please?

Many thanks in anticipation.

KxMx

Try contacting your MIL's MP.

Did you get given a specific time scale? Because 18 months wait is pretty typical here!

Flooz

Thanks KxMx, in my experience, MP's are full of wind and excuses of not having any money. If we can quote the right pieces of information to the housing authority, I'm pretty sure we can get it sorted, I just need to find out what that is.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Has she been assessed by a council occupational therapist? It would definitely help.

Flooz

Thanks for responding Jojo. I believe she has been assessed, she's certainly mentioned OT, I do know that all relevant authorities are aware of her inability to use a normal bath.

Richie-from-the-Boro

A means tested grant, [GOV provide 60%] is available the remainder is usually made up from HA / LA. Generally regardless of HA / private landlord / etc an application is only considered when a local authority OT has made a referral. That referral in addition to the obvious, needs make the case that the works provide the most effective long-term solution, taking into account your MIL's particular circumstances. The words necessary, appropriate, reasonable and practicable are usually applied as a test, for example that particular existing home may not be suitable for adaptation, it may be the case with your MIL's agreement a~n~other more suitable accommodation needs to be found and adapted.

First unless you have POA, your MIL should contact the HA concerned and ask why the promised work has not yet begun. There will be a named individual within the HA with specific responsibility for your MIL's account, your MIL should ask the officer of the association what the issues are and how they can be resolved.

battyboimatt

I know if our area the wait for Social Services is 18 months + as well

Flooz

Thank you everyone. MIL is speaking to the relevant person, but getting nowhere, which is why I think it's time to start quoting disability discrimination or human rights, whatever is the most appropriate.

The bungalows were specifically built for elderly and disabled people and it was the housing association that told her the adaptations would be made in the new financial year - which began LAST April. But it hasn't happened. Social services keep giving her a seat for over the bath, but they are not suitable as she still has to get her legs over the bath side, which she cannot do.

Bryando

I can't use the bath and sent an e-mail requesting a shower. Within a week somebody was out and a shower ordered. 10 weeks to wait

As for writing to your MP, he/she will do what you could do. That is contact the housing. They will point you in the right direction on who to phone to make the request.

Mojisola

Flooz wrote: »

My MIL was moved to a bungalow approx. 18 months ago, she is unable to use a normal bath, but it was mentioned at the time of moving and the housing association assured her that a shower with seat would be fitted once the new budget was available, which was supposed to be a couple of months later.

Guess what - she's still waiting, and is getting nowhere with speaking to either social services or the housing association.

As well as following up the alterations at home, your MIL should be able to go to a local care home to either have a shower or a bath using a hoist. Contact her social worker.

Richie-from-the-Boro

- "Social services keep giving her a seat" This suggests that's what the O/T's assessment decided was 'necessary, appropriate, reasonable and practicable'

- "MIL is speaking to the relevant person, but getting nowhere" Suggests that's what the O/T's assessment report to the housing association decided was 'necessary, appropriate, reasonable and practicable'

She should ask her GP to make an approach to the O/T for a re-assessment on your MIL. She should also try to discover what the O/T's report a year ago recommended.