Hello

[weegiz12345]

I haven’t written on here for over a year. Since last writing my ataxia has deteriorated quite a bit. I went fro walking with a stick outside to using a walker inside and out. I’m looking to the future and one day being in a wheelchair. There is no room on the side of my house for a ramp(the only door at the side is very difficult to use but I mange now. The reason for this post is basically to ask how the wheelchair users now get in and out of their homes, how you’ve adapted them. The back of my house is where the kitchen is, the sink being under the window. Do any of you know if we’d be able to have the sink moved and some sort of disabled access through a conservatory? Any ideas very welcome.

Louise xx

[PatsyIpswich]

If you are in the UK then you can get a home assessment although it hasnt been possible during lockdown, It used to be via your GP but now Im think you need to check online foryour area. Personally, I have managed to keep on my feet to transfer from one walking aid to another.. my outdoor rollator is kept in an outside cupboard. Good luck xx

[weegiz12345 in reply to PatsyIpswich]

Thanks for your reply Patsy xx

[majajefferies]

So, I am assuming you live in the UK.

Phone your local council, whomever you pay the council tax to, and request to speak to the adaptations Grant department.

Every single person in the UK has the right to apply to a £30,000 adaptations grant every 3 years if they have a disability. Request application forms.

Then speak to your local local Social Services, unless you already receive their support.

They will put you in touch with your community occupational therapist.

Before they come out to assess your home for any necessary adaptations I would advise that you send them links to the Ataxia UK information for professionals. Most of them will never have heard of Ataxia and want to know what it is and how they can assist you.

We have a wonderful relationship with our sons O2 and she has helped us enormously with adaptations, equipment, recommendations, etc.

Oh, when you’re on the phone to your local council, request to speak to the council tax officer and request deduction in your council tax due to disability if you haven’t done so already. All the options are listed on the back of your council tax bill.

Hope this gets you some help.

gov.uk/disabled-facilities-...

nhs.uk/conditions/social-ca...

disability-grants.org/disab...

[weegiz12345 in reply to majajefferies]

Thank you so much for your post xx

[Libra7 in reply to majajefferies]

This is very useful information. Is the £30,000grant means tested?

[Fortoday]

Hi

Exact same experience.

Finally decided to move..awaiting best property offer....wish you all the best A

[weegiz12345 in reply to Fortoday]

Thanks for replying , moving isn’t really an option for us. Don’t know what we’ll do xx

[Fortoday in reply to weegiz12345]

Understood....i wasn't ever going to move esp after adaptions but need more space gutted....very best wishes

[weegiz12345 in reply to Fortoday]

Because of my partners dad being ill and very close to us my partner wouldn’t consider moving so looks like I’m stuck xx

[birdie333 in reply to Fortoday]

I just found out what I have? I am in Los angeles ca. I am also selling. this nis happening so quick I am in denial? what do I do? where can stem cells help>do I go?

[majajefferies]

This is a bit more detail:The maximum amount of grant is:

£25,000 in Northern Ireland

£30,000 in England

£36,000 in Wales

The amount you receive depends on your own individual circumstances as the grant is means tested for adults. This takes into account your savings, income and outgoings.

For families with a disabled child under 19 years the grant is not means tested.

If the cost of the work is above the maximum grant your local authority has discretionary powers to provide further financial help.

Whatever you decide to do it is really useful to hear the OT’s information as they do this every day and have extensive experiences.

Good luck!

[weegiz12345 in reply to majajefferies]

We’re in Scotland so not sure what that would mean. Thanks about getting the OT involved got lots of equipment from her that’s been invaluable last year xx

[Veteran250 in reply to weegiz12345]

Hi Louise..., hoping you are keeping ok, when the Royal Air Force offered me an electric wheelchair, they said before they deliver it, I had to get my county council to lower the kirb outside my house(I already had a disabled parking bay) and my local council had to remove the steps in my front path, and put in a ramp, and replace my back gate with a wider gate, so I could take the wheelchair from my car to my back yard lockup to be recharged..... I contacted Social Services who sent out an Occupational Therapist. She wanted to know what money was coming in/going out and proof thereof including any savings. She said I would hear from here in due course, I waited three weeks, she phone to tell me a guy from the council would be in touch, a few days later the county council workmen arrived at my house, and lowered the curb, a month later the local council started work on my front garden ramp..... all in all, I think I waited about Four months from application to completion, it may have been quick, as I found out the guy from the council was a Military Veteran, as am I.

I was having trouble getting in and out my bath, applied to have bathroom changed to a wetroom, approved and it took ten days to complete, not one penny did any of it cost me!

Good luck.

Don 🙂😘