Disabled Facilities Grant

time2save

As I'm going through a Community Care Assessment with social services and I'm on the part of pratical help I need.

As I have mental health issues and Autism, I find it very difficult in the bathroom and have been looking at the Disabled Facilities Grant.

From what I've read it's available to people with mental health issues too and I would need it to prehaps look at adaptions in the and around the house like prehaps rails but also a flat shower area (don't know what it's called) you know where you have a shower with a flat tub square on the floor.


Anyway has anyone gone through this process, my council says I would be assessed by an OT, which sounds great as they could prehaps have an idea that might also help me.


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Parva

Apologies for my poor knowledge of autism but I wasn't aware that the condition meant you couldn't 'step' into a shower / bath rather than require a proper wetroom where there are no such steps. Not a dig, just wondered how the condition means you cannot step into a bath or shower?

Prinzessilein

I have ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) and part of the condition for me includes severe Dyspraxia (poor muscle coordination). Dyspraxia is one of the conditions that is generally considered part of the Autistic Spectrum and can cause problems with balance and coordination.

In addition, I take medication for anxiety - another symptom of my ASD - and this has the occasional but marked side effect of causing muscle weakness.

I am unable to cope with stepping in and out of a 'standard' shower on one of my 'bad' days. (Actually on a 'bad' day I fall over when standing up never mind trying to raise a leg in order to manage a step!)

I was assessed by the Occupational Health Team, after a referral by my social worker. The appointment took a while to come through but was worth the wait! The lady who assessed me was knowledgeable and understanding. She didn't only focus on my need for the bathroom to be replaced by a wetroom, but also looked at other things I hadn't considered, like a grab rail and ramp by the front door.

The walk-in shower has been brilliant! It means I can keep my independence and take showers when I want. The assessor will help you decide the type of shower and 'extras' that you need....for example I have rails in the shower to hold onto and it is broad enough for a seat to be placed in the shower area.

time2save

Parva wrote: »

Apologies for my poor knowledge of autism but I wasn't aware that the condition meant you couldn't 'step' into a shower / bath rather than require a proper wetroom where there are no such steps. Not a dig, just wondered how the condition means you cannot step into a bath or shower?

Hi Pava,

No problems for asking nicely.

As I have OCD as well, they both are making it very difficult for me to use my current bathroom, as I can't touch the walls [bath is situated in a corner] as I might get contaminated [OCD]. One of the reasons why I'm asking the question is to find out what types of support from DFG etc could the council provide for my current situation, as it may be easier to guess for a more physical looking disability (e.g. rails etc).

time2save

Prinzessilein wrote: »

I have ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) and part of the condition for me includes severe Dyspraxia (poor muscle coordination). Dyspraxia is one of the conditions that is generally considered part of the Autistic Spectrum and can cause problems with balance and coordination.

In addition, I take medication for anxiety - another symptom of my ASD - and this has the occasional but marked side effect of causing muscle weakness.

I am unable to cope with stepping in and out of a 'standard' shower on one of my 'bad' days. (Actually on a 'bad' day I fall over when standing up never mind trying to raise a leg in order to manage a step!)

I was assessed by the Occupational Health Team, after a referral by my social worker. The appointment took a while to come through but was worth the wait! The lady who assessed me was knowledgeable and understanding. She didn't only focus on my need for the bathroom to be replaced by a wetroom, but also looked at other things I hadn't considered, like a grab rail and ramp by the front door.

The walk-in shower has been brilliant! It means I can keep my independence and take showers when I want. The assessor will help you decide the type of shower and 'extras' that you need....for example I have rails in the shower to hold onto and it is broad enough for a seat to be placed in the shower area.

Glad you got the help you needed and

Thanks for responding Prinzessilein