DLA/PIP form, slightly unique scenario

In 2003, my wife was infected with shingles to her face. The virus spread into her ear. She developed partial facial parylisis, distorted hearing, ie cannot recognise speech with multiple sounds around. More than that, the virus affected her left labyrinth which meant she underwent 99% loss of balance.

Her consultant provided documentation which states something like, "unfortunately this lady may never be able to work again as in my opinion, the position is permanent etc". I may not be using the words ver batim, but I'm sure I have.

At the time, ironically she was a warden of a sheltered housing complex with about 54 residents. She was pensioned off by her employer (Council) who ensured the property they provided, had a wet room, rails etc and on a bus route as we don't drive.

Both our married children lived in the South, after a couple of years they moved us to be near them. Soon after, rules changed and my wife was assessed and lost her incapacity benefit. Now the DLA /PIP form has arrived and we need to deal with that.

I need to assist her in/out of the bath/shower. In home, she uses furniture as grab rails to get round. In the garden she uses her walking aid or garden furniture to hold on to,
to prevent falling.

Since 2003/4 she hasn't left the house alone/unescorted and must have her mobility walker. There are days, thankfully not too frequently that her balance goes 100% and she has to return to bed. If this happens without warning when we are out, we need to taxi home immediately.

If I were to take her walking aid from her and she had nothing or no one to hold onto and ask her to walk, it is my honest belief that she would be on the ground in possibly less than six steps.

No doubt this scenario is new to you, so we will be interested to hear any comments before we embark on the phone call to PIP please.