SADP Moving around.

Wobblyjoe

Hi all, hope you are well. I would appreciate some advice. I cannot walk 20m before stopping due to severe pain and discomfort. Should I state on the form how far exactly I can walk before stopping? 18m is the furthest I can walk before having to stop. I got my brother to measure it. Or is simply ticking the cannot walk 20m box sufficient? Many thanks for your help.

calcotti

You appear to be opening separate threads for each question on SADP. The approach to all the questions is the same - you need to describe your difficulties.

Spoonie has given links to guidance on the descriptors.
The complete list of guidance is available here
https://www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/guidance-resources/guidance/decision-making-guide

poppy12345

It would also be better to put all your questions in the same thread rather than start a new thread each time. This is the 5th thread you've started on SADP.

Wobblyjoe

Sorry guys. Was up through the night with pain. Not thinking straight. 

Wobblyjoe

Hi, I am having serious trouble wording my form. Should I be listing all my symptoms for every question or just me conditions of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It is the symptoms that cause me difficulty doing activities. For example for washing and bathing I have put. 

I have severe difficulty with this activity. My fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome cause severe fatigue, severe  widespread pain, stiffness and weakness in my legs, back, neck, arms, feet, hands, chest, ribs and all joints including shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, elbows and wrists. Severe balance problems and dizziness. I need to use a long-handled brush to wash my back and below the knee as I cannot bend below the knee or reach due to severe pain and discomfort. I need  to use a grab bar when getting in and out the shower and a showering chair to sit on as I cannot stand for any length of time due to severe pain, discomfort, fatigue, balance problems and dizziness. I am unsteady and unbalanced on my feet. I do not like using the shower as I cannot sit for any length of time due to severe pain discomfort and fatigue and I am unsafe moving about. I use a grab bar for the bath but still need help to get in and out due to severe pain, discomfort, fatigue and balance problems. I severe difficulty and need help getting my legs over and in to and out of the bath. I also need help pulling myself up and lowering myself in and out of the bath due to severe pain, fatigue discomfort, balance problems and dizziness. I am at constant risk of falling doing these activities as I have done numerous times. I also leaves taps etc running due to brain fog and forgetfulness. I can only shower/bathe once a week due to my disabilities and conditions as it leaves me in agony and exhausted and takes me far longer than normal. I need to rest during and after washing/bathing due to severe pain, discomfort and fatigue. I lay a towel on the bed and lie down to air dry. I need encouragement and supervision to wash and bathe due to all of this.

Is this an acceptable way to word it or is there a way to tidy it up or present it better? Many thanks.

calcotti

Your approach is right. You don't need to mention the conditions for each question. It is, as you say, the difficulties you have that you need to describe. The only thing I would suggest is that you break up what you've written into paragraphs which will be easier to read.

Wobblyjoe

Thanks Calcotti, much appreciated.

Wobblyjoe

Calcotti,  do you know of any templates for a supporting letter from family for applications? They know what my conditions are and how they affect me doing activities. My mother is going to write one for me but is unsure what to write and if it should be a brief letter or longer. She wants to list all my conditions and symptoms and how they affect me doing each activity as I have done above. However it would just look exactly the same as I have written in the form and effectively would just be filling the form out twice. Any help is greatly appreciated.

calcotti

I don’t know of one. In my view it’s just best for her to saying what she has observed and describe what help she provides.

Wobblyjoe

Thanks Calcotti. 

HillStreetBlues

I agree with calcotti,  the statement has to be tailored to your individual care.
Be honest but don't downplay anything (I did that when first claiming).