home adaptation I need help please

aimee0763

Hello everyone,

I am a social housing tenant have been for the past 28 years, I need to have my bathroom adapted to a walking in shower basically I would not mind if they just remove the bath and replace it with a shower instead.

For years I have suffered with rheumatism in my joints at the moment I am in severe pains with my knees and elbows both of which I cannot put any weight on at all I am wearing knee support at the moment but not much help my knees are still very painful as I am getting older it is becoming more and more difficult for me to get in and out of the bath now I cannot use my bath at all and are using the basin for bathing which I am finding very difficult and and also it's making me feel quite degrading and upsetting!

Before I approach my local social housing people I would like to get as much advice as I can! I am on Income Support under ill health the council already few years ago had to replace my bath panel to a stronger one as I was having great difficult leaning over the bath to wash my hair so the already know I have had problems before.

I haven't been to my GP about my current circumstances because I have seen on the doctor's reception desk that doctors are not allowed to write letters to the social housing authorities about patients' needs.

Can someone please advise me the best route to take and who do I need to contact for help with the replacement of my bath any help or advice would be much appreciated.

Many thanks in advance

mazza111

It can vary from area to area. But here, we would call up and ask for an assessment to be done by the OT. They would then come out and assess your needs, or invite you to go see them to see if you would be able to use any of the aids they have set up in their bathrooms etc.

My daughter got a few things from them, wheelchair, perching stools, trolley for getting her dinner from A-B, grab sticks etc. Unfortunately her flat couldn't be adapted as it wasn't suitable for wheelchair. So she moved into an adapted property. The OT then sent a chair round for her shower.

My mum's a total different story, anything she needs, she has to fund herself. She just lives 5 miles down the road, but it's classed as a different county, who have a different criteria for funding.


I'm guessing the OT at your local social work dept/council would be the place to start tho.

Werdnal

Speak to you GP, as even though they may be unable to write direct to the social landlord, they can refer you to occupational therapist to assess you needs.

My mum passed away last year, but whilst she was in hospital they arrange a OT visit to assess the home (rented from Housing Assoc) and had grab rails fitted and new steps/ramp installed. Sadly she never lived to see and make use of the changes, but I am sure there is a route available to you to get this sorted.

Speak to Social Services too, as they can help and advise on your needs.

aimee0763

Thank you Mazza and Werdnal for your advices much appreciated. I shall get in touch with social services in my area and see what advice they can give me!

have a good weekend!