Rules on Council Grants

50Twuncle

I am disabled and having increasing problems getting into and out of the bath - where we have a shower - I have slipped a few times and am concerned that an accident is just around the corner..
We are wondering whether a DF grant is available to help pay for a "wetroom" ?
I am having a physiotherapy assessment at the hospital in a couple of weeks time for my knee (which is getting quite bad) and am considering mentioning the problems at home

1. Would I be right in thinking that the NHS input may help my application ?

2. We do have some savings - will the amount that we can claim be dependant on savings ?

rogerblack

Why a wetroom, over for example a grab bar to hold onto?

Richie-from-the-Boro

- search for walk in bath
- set the search to nearest first
- 99p and the £2500 bath is yours
- many are hydro piped like this 99p one
- light as an ordinary plaggy bath
- same pipework, same plumbing
- takes less than 2 hours old out this in
- no more - all fall down - sorted !

margaretclare

rogerblack wrote: »

Why a wetroom, over for example a grab bar to hold onto?

Because it can still be dangerous climbing in and out of a bath even if you have a grab-bar to hang on to. If you have a weakness and/or pain in the legs or hips, it becomes very risky and painful. Slipping and falling is always a possibility.

It's not essential to go as far as a wet room though. If you can get a low step-in shower cubicle, big enough to have a folding seat if you need one, that will do fine, and be much cheaper than a wet room. Much less time to install and much less building work needed.

bll78

Hi,

The NHS letter will help, but I doubt they'd go for a wetroom given what you say. I'm going personal experience and that of a friend, and every OT/ physio is different but I would expect them to suggest a bathlift which they bring out and can be lifted in and out of the bath depending who is using it, or a grabrail as someone else has suggested it's a lot cheaper for them than a wetroom.
I got the bathlift as I couldn't get out of the bath, and he (the friend)got the grabrail as he was struggling and scared of falling. They also suggested a chair in my walk in shower, but that was because of issues standing in showers.

confuseddaughter_2

bll78 wrote: »

Hi,

The NHS letter will help, but I doubt they'd go for a wetroom given what you say. I'm going personal experience and that of a friend, and every OT/ physio is different but I would expect them to suggest a bathlift which they bring out and can be lifted in and out of the bath depending who is using it, or a grabrail as someone else has suggested it's a lot cheaper for them than a wetroom.
I got the bathlift as I couldn't get out of the bath, and he (the friend)got the grabrail as he was struggling and scared of falling. They also suggested a chair in my walk in shower, but that was because of issues standing in showers.

Thankyou, there seems to be quite a brisk trade in these electric bath lifts. Everybody seems to have one. They are fantastic, without it, mum could never get in the bath as dad can't lift her anymore. All he has to do now is wash her lower half and her hair and then help her to stand up when finished to get off the chair and dry her.

GwylimT

We had funding towards a wet room in our last house, the main information they used was directly from my partners physio. We had one of those walk in baths but they are just as difficult to get out of safely as a normal bath, far too slippery, an awkward shaped door with a high step and mini bath mats would never stick.

In our current home we have a wet room and we have a standard bath with an electric lift, while it makes getting in and out easier, my partner would be unable to use the normal bath on her own safely as there is little support getting in and out as due to the angle needed you cannot install a secure grab rail to hold.

confuseddaughter_2

GwylimT wrote: »

We had funding towards a wet room in our last house, the main information they used was directly from my partners physio. We had one of those walk in baths but they are just as difficult to get out of safely as a normal bath, far too slippery, an awkward shaped door with a high step and mini bath mats would never stick.

In our current home we have a wet room and we have a standard bath with an electric lift, while it makes getting in and out easier, my partner would be unable to use the normal bath on her own safely as there is little support getting in and out as due to the angle needed you cannot install a secure grab rail to hold.

The electric bath lifts come with an add on extra - two removable arms to keep you safe on the chair.

Morglin

50Twuncle wrote: »

I am disabled and having increasing problems getting into and out of the bath - where we have a shower - I have slipped a few times and am concerned that an accident is just around the corner..
We are wondering whether a DF grant is available to help pay for a "wetroom" ?
I am having a physiotherapy assessment at the hospital in a couple of weeks time for my knee (which is getting quite bad) and am considering mentioning the problems at home

1. Would I be right in thinking that the NHS input may help my application ?

2. We do have some savings - will the amount that we can claim be dependant on savings ?

I had a wet room, and other things, done under DFG.

But, it involved getting a local council OT out to assess things,who are accessible
via your Disability and Adult Team, at your local council.

Arrange for an Occupational Therapist visit, as they will assess what you need, and any contribution you may have to make.

Lin

GwylimT

confuseddaughter wrote: »

The electric bath lifts come with an add on extra - two removable arms to keep you safe on the chair.

That both broke when my eight stone wife leaned on them.

confuseddaughter_2

GwylimT wrote: »

That both broke when my eight stone wife leaned on them.

They are not for leaning on, they are for protection should you be a little unsteady. The OT explained all of that. Looked after and used properly, they serve an excellent purpose.