DLA form filling time

dori2o

Got my DLA form this week, doesn't have to be in for a couple of months but beginning to think about what needs to go on it.

Is it necessary to mention things like mobility scooters, transport chairs, perching stools, leg raisers, bath seats etc etc.

rogerblack

There are a couple of aspects here.
Care needs are assessed in the context of aids.
For example - if you would need helped to the toilet 5 times a day - that might qualify as 'care'.
However - if you could with the aid of a wheelchair - manage yourself - it would not.

Similarly - if you can walk with a prosthetic foot without pain - you don't qualify for the mobility component.

Omitting mention that your needs have reduced because you are using aids is misleading, if indeed those aids are effective.

You might - for example - use a bath seat because it helps you in the bath - but still need help, because the bath seat doesn't do enough, nor would any fixed appliance.

There is the separate issue of the assessment for mobility.
Here, the important issue (FOR DLA, NOT PIP) is your ability to walk by 'alternate movement of the legs'.
If you can't put weight on one leg (even with aids), for example, then you qualify.
Similarly, if it causes severe discomfort or pain to do so.

So, your use of a mobility scooter isn't relevant in the sense that it doesn't mean that because you have to use a mobility scooter that you are any less likely to get the mobility component.

In short - yes - you usually need to mention the aids.
Explain what they are, and any residual needs you have with them.

dori2o

rogerblack wrote: »

There are a couple of aspects here.
Care needs are assessed in the context of aids.
For example - if you would need helped to the toilet 5 times a day - that might qualify as 'care'.
However - if you could with the aid of a wheelchair - manage yourself - it would not.

Similarly - if you can walk with a prosthetic foot without pain - you don't qualify for the mobility component.

Omitting mention that your needs have reduced because you are using aids is misleading, if indeed those aids are effective.

You might - for example - use a bath seat because it helps you in the bath - but still need help, because the bath seat doesn't do enough, nor would any fixed appliance.

There is the separate issue of the assessment for mobility.
Here, the important issue (FOR DLA, NOT PIP) is your ability to walk by 'alternate movement of the legs'.
If you can't put weight on one leg (even with aids), for example, then you qualify.
Similarly, if it causes severe discomfort or pain to do so.

So, your use of a mobility scooter isn't relevant in the sense that it doesn't mean that because you have to use a mobility scooter that you are any less likely to get the mobility component.

In short - yes - you usually need to mention the aids.
Explain what they are, and any residual needs you have with them.

This is the part I was confused with as reading throught the regulations is mentions nothing of the ability to walk being affected by use of mobility aids.

I don't get care component anyway and don't expect that to change, but as you say, my ability to complete the physical act of walking as per the regulations is not changed by the fact I use a mobility scooter.

rogerblack

dori2o wrote: »

This is the part I was confused with as reading throught the regulations is mentions nothing of the ability to walk being affected by use of mobility aids.

Long quote - but to the point I think.
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/dmgch61.pdf

61317 A person who
1. can only make progress on foot with crutches and
2. places both feet on the ground alternately and
3. does not and cannot place any weight on one of his legs
cannot be said to be “walking” and so is “unable to walk”. The dictionary definition of
walking is “progress by alternate movement of the legs” and it is for that reason a
person who can only “swing through” cannot “walk”, and not simply because one of
his feet is never placed on the ground.
Example 1
Derrick has had part of his right lower limb amputated and cannot use a prosthesis
as his wound has not healed properly and is sore. He propels himself forward using
two crutches. He swings both his legs forward whilst putting all his weight on his
crutches, and is therefore swinging through. In this case he cannot be said to be
“walking”. The DM decides Derrick is entitled to the higher rate mobility component.
Example 2
Susan had her right leg amputated below the knee after an accident. She wears a
prosthesis and can normally walk without discomfort, at a normal speed, with a
slight limp. She uses a walking stick to steady herself if needed. The DM decides
Susan is not entitled to the DLA mobility component at any rate.
Example 3
Malcolm had an accident which resulted in his left leg being broken in several
places. The breaks have not healed well and he still experiences pain. Although he
can stand with both feet on the ground the DM decides that he cannot place any
weight on his left leg. Malcolm uses crutches and when moving forward, although
he places his left leg forward, all his weight is placed on his crutches. He then
swings his right leg through as his left leg is not weight bearing. The DM decides
that Malcolm is entitled to the higher rate mobility component.

Brassedoff

But surely just by being able to get in and out of a mobility scooter, you an walk a distance or still walk to it, walk from it?

dori2o

Brassedoff wrote: »

But surely just by being able to get in and out of a mobility scooter, you an walk a distance or still walk to it, walk from it?

But not without severe pain with every step.