help needed for disibility mobility at home/benefits/ etc

becky81

Hi
I really need some advice. My partner had surgery on his back this week due to pain for the last 3 yrs, but when he woke up from the op he realised that hes lost the feeling in his leg/foot:(.
Im trying to get everything in place for when he comes out of hospital and want to make things as easy as i can but im struggling and i have no idea what im looking for!

My questions are.....
Can i get help buying items to help my partners mobility issues at home?
Where can i get a wheelchair from as the hospital wont provide one?
Are there any support groups that i could join with him so he can talk about whats happened and how he feels?
I work nights, but ive been unable to go in as i have to be at home with our 2 young children (i dont have much support) and as im not going into work im not being paid. When my partner comes home i cant leave him as he cant have the children by himself and ill need to look after him. He works full time, but now he will have to hand in his notice. So we have no income coming in, can we get help ?

Im just so confused, cant believe this has happened. and honestly i really need any advice anyone could give xx
Thankyou for reading xx

nannytone_2

contact your local social services and ask for an adult assessment.

paddedjohn

Have the hospital said that the lack of feeling in his leg is permanant? he would be better off not giving his job up until thing are clearer.

Torry_Quine

paddedjohn wrote: »

Have the hospital said that the lack of feeling in his leg is permanant? he would be better off not giving his job up until thing are clearer.

My thoughts as well. You are in shock at the moment and need to be patient (easier said I know) and see what the doctors say when things may be clearer.

He will be getting at least SSP just now and until that ends after 26 weeks won't get ESA anyway.

Take care

becky81

My partner has 6 month's of intense physiotherapy to try and help him learn to walk. The drs dont think the feeling will return, but were hoping it will one day xxx

Torry_Quine

becky81 wrote: »

My partner has 6 month's of intense physiotherapy to try and help him learn to walk. The drs dont think the feeling will return, but were hoping it will one day xxx

The physio will be able to help with suitable aids as will his occupational therapist. Before he comes home he will be assessed as to his ability to manage and won't be allowed home until he is safe.

pmlindyloo

This must be such a difficult time for you and you are obviously worried about your husband and money.

Please be assured that, as already said, your husband will not be discharged from hospital until he has been assessed that he can cope at home. Although it is early days you must bring this up with his consultant/ward sister and ask about equipment to help at home. Social Services will probably be involved. If you need extra equipment, like a wheel chair, then the Red Cross may lend these items.

As regards money....

Your husband does not need to resign from his job at the moment.

If you cannot return to work at the moment then....

At the very minimum he will receive Statutory Sick Pay. His employer may pay more than this (called contractual pay)

If he is only entitled to SSP then you can put in a joint claim for Income Support to 'top up' his SSP. This top up will give you an automatic right to Housing Benefit (if you rent) or Support for Mortgage Interest (if you have a mortgage) which will only kick in 13 weeks after your claim. You will also be entitled to Council Tax Reduction.

Here is a link for you:

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/benefits_e/benefits_sick_or_disabled_people_and_carers_ew/benefits_for_people_who_are_sick_or_disabled.htm

A visit to CAB about your benefits may reassure you.

Fingers crossed that your OH will make a full recovery.

Edit. Forgot to add, if you are currently receiving any benefits (tax credits, HB, CT) then you must let them know of the change of circumstances within one month.

becky81

He was discharged today with crutches and a splint. Hes having to bump on his bum to the toilet. Hes unabke to do anything for himself but luckily I managdd to borrow a wheelchair. How long will ssp be available for him. Consultants dont think the feeling will return. I dont know what im doing

Torry_Quine

becky81 wrote: »

He was discharged today with crutches and a splint. Hes having to bump on his bum to the toilet. Hes unabke to do anything for himself but luckily I managdd to borrow a wheelchair. How long will ssp be available for him. Consultants dont think the feeling will return. I dont know what im doing

Did they realise his toilet was not easily acessed as that doean't seem right to me.

His SSP will be for a total of 26 weeks and then he will be eligible for ESA.

mum2one

have they offered him a commode for downstairs, -try the red cross at they do long term loans x

mazza111

Please get an assessment from social services. It's amazing some of the gadgets they can provide for in the home for those in need. They may even be able to refer him to wheelchair services if they feel that he needs one. It varies from area to area what help there is available, so one couldn't really say what they will be able to do to help.

Has he had care and mobility needs before this, or has it just been since his op? I think you need to wait 3 months before claiming DLA, or PIP as it is now, but as I've not really read up on PIP I'm not sure on that one.

Good luck