My housing needs are being ignored

Indie_Kid

This is getting beyond a joke now.

I currently live with my parents. The house they live in, is unsuitable for my disabilities. Despite their efforts to sort out the issues with the steps, I am still struggling. The edges of the steps are yellow, which due to my eyesight, is becoming impossible to see. Made worse when it's dark and the light on the house is on.

We live on a few main roads. Whichever I go, I am at serious risk of being run over and have had many near misses with vehicles. (not helped by the idiots parking on double yellows:mad:)

The house has 5 steps to the entrance. The council say I am in band D (lowest band) with a maximum of 3 steps. This makes no sense. They appear to have acknowledged that I can only live somewhere with 3 steps, yet, my parents house have 5 and I'm in the lowest band.

I have appealed this.

I am not under soaicl services, although, I have been told that when I move, they will be involved, which for numerous reasons, I am not going to allow to happen.

The argument seems to be that I have somewhere to live. Somewhere that is unsuitable for my needs.

Is there anything else I can do?

poppy12345

Indie_Kid wrote: »

This is getting beyond a joke now.

I currently live with my parents. The house they live in, is unsuitable for my disabilities. Despite their efforts to sort out the issues with the steps, I am still struggling. The edges of the steps are yellow, which due to my eyesight, is becoming impossible to see. Made worse when it's dark and the light on the house is on.

We live on a few main roads. Whichever I go, I am at serious risk of being run over and have had many near misses with vehicles. (not helped by the idiots parking on double yellows:mad:)

The house has 5 steps to the entrance. The council say I am in band D (lowest band) with a maximum of 3 steps. This makes no sense. They appear to have acknowledged that I can only live somewhere with 3 steps, yet, my parents house have 5 and I'm in the lowest band.

I have appealed this.

I am not under soaicl services, although, I have been told that when I move, they will be involved, which for numerous reasons, I am not going to allow to happen.

The argument seems to be that I have somewhere to live. Somewhere that is unsuitable for my needs.

Is there anything else I can do?

Hi, Sadly your situation happens all too often, because there just isn't enough of council houses or housing association houses available for all those that need it. I know all councils have different policies but i'm sure all area are the same with lack of house for everyone. Last year i was living in a privately rented 3 bed house but because of my disabilities it no long suited my needs and the adaptations that needed doing couldn't be done. My local council gave me extra points but it still didn't help my case. I was told i would still have to wait my turn and this could take months and months. Eventually my OT got involved and i was given an adapted house within 5 weeks. I know being told "that you already have some where to live" isn't what you want to hear. I totally understand how frustrating this must be for you. I don't know your situation other than you mention your vision. Would it be possible for you to have help from an Occupational therapist? I'm sure they could get you what you need even if it's some adaptations so you can live your daily life safely?! I'm sorry i can't be of anymore help. Good luck! x

Beckyy

Could further adaptations be made to your parents house to make it more suitable for your needs?

Outside lighting with motion sensors?
Lining steps with reflective/bright tape?
Fitting railings next to steps?
As OT assessment may throw up some useful ideas, and they may also supply things for you to use.

Is there any reason why you can't privately rent a more suitable house?

rogerblack

Indie_Kid wrote: »

The edges of the steps are yellow, which due to my eyesight, is becoming impossible to see. Made worse when it's dark and the light on the house is on.

Several things spring to mind.

A mat or something at the top of the steps, to give you tactile feedback as to where the steps start. Perhaps even a gate.

Or a little bump if it's cement.
Up-lights fitted into the steps to illuminate where the edge is.
A hand-rail.

Replacing the house light with one that does not glare.

McKneff

Is there another out door to the house.


Is there anyway a ramp could be made either permanent of temporary

Indie_Kid

Thanks.

We have a driveway which has on one side, steps to the house. There isn't much more that can really be done. There isn't enough room for a handrail to be on one side.

Not had an OT assessment. Social services won't touch me now, partly due to a serious lack of unwillingness to learn on their side. (or as they put it, my willingness to do as they say, even though it'll possibly cause me panic attacks or injury)

I will mention the tactile stuff to dad. I (and I think him) was rather stumped on what to do about the steps. The paint is fine as long as it's light and no need for the light to come on and the steps are clean.

Unfortunately, we have no other entrance to the house.

Pivate renting may be a problem because my only income is benefits.

sheeps68

Not sure where you live but most areas have Visual Impairment Team that would be best placed to offer you advice. They are usually separate to Social Services although they can refer into them however I would suggest you self refer.

Indie_Kid

I've had dealing with them before and they weren't that good tbh.

GwylimT

It can be incredibly difficult, my wife was left partially paralysed after an accident and she spent five months too long in a rehabilitation unit as the LHA believed she did not need any adaptions within housing. Apparently people without the use of their legs and with poor upper body strength can get upstairs to go to the loo! She was onl allocated semi suitable housing when the local health authority started proceedings to take the council to court, funnily enough six days later she did have additional adaption need! I hate to think how expensive those additional months were to the NHS.

[Deleted User]

Indie if you have had problems with SS or the OT speak to you local councillor about the issues...maybe?

KxMx

How about getting your GP to write a letter, that may move you up a band or two.

Is there a team/person in the housing department that deals with those who have additional needs?