Here's another one that beggars belief..

[tulips123]

I have finally conceded I need an electric riser-recliner. The social worker (we are old friends now) arranged for me to make a short(ish) journey to try one suitable for my size, weight (which is considerable) and mobility problems. Sounds good so far. The chair I tried was perfectly suitable. But I cant have it. As I understand it, the government have been introducing reform in the way these things work, to cut the red tape, streamline the process in order to reduce costs! Ok, still so far so good. Here we go then...

In the morning, a private company will bring me a chair to try out. Once again, if it is perfect in every way, I still cant keep it. No, no. They will take it away. I think they are just teasing. On Tuesday morning, ANOTHER company will bring one of theirs' for me to try out. You've guessed haven't you? They will take it away with them, regardless. So then 3 companies will send their quotes to social services, who will submit them to ?The Panel? (no idea), who will notify the Social Worker, who will instruct the lucky applicant. Then it will take 6 WEEKS to build it!

Now, from my 1st interview with social services this has already taken a few weeks to get to this point. 'Cause they are cutting red tape, reducing costs, etc. Go on, have a good laugh, i've given up!

[Hidden]

Replies from her reclining chair in total comfort ,

I don't believe it.....

Well you know what you have to do now tulips ... Say none of them are suitable and get yet another 3 companies out and then ... Yes you've guessed it reject those and ask for another 3 to try.... eventually someone in the chain will realise this isn't saving money at all

I wonder if I could get a job cutting red tape... I have some pinking shears somewhere

VG x

[tulips123 in reply to Hidden]

See what you mean. I think perhaps I've missed my vocation. I suspect these companies are mates with people 'in the know'. Paranoid? Me?

[ladymoth]

I blame the companies who are manufacturing the red tape - they must be raking it in!

Moffy x

[Hidden]

Yes ... Feels sorry for the manufacturers of all other coloured tape

[tessintrouble]

Well at least you will have a chair, it may take time but you will get one eventually, keep your chin up, x

[tulips123 in reply to tessintrouble]

Well, it could be worse. Just that the next time I hear a politician talking about cutting the red tape, saving money etc. I might just lose it completely!

[Zhez]

I'm just wondering what happens to the chairs??? Hope this happens soonest for you Tulips

[tulips123 in reply to Zhez]

Thanks Zhez. I'm wondering whether they keep some just for display, as in 'window shopping'. I'm sure it makes sense to someone!

[Hidden]

Brings a whole new concept to the game musical chairs

[tulips123 in reply to Hidden]

xx

[kates]

Dont complain iv just had to buy my own and don't think oh well you must be able to afford it iv saved up for a couple of years its cost £1. 500.

[tulips123 in reply to kates]

I see what you mean. Things could be worse! It's 'the system', it does not make sense.

[Hidden in reply to tulips123]

You are right tulips it could be worse they could all come at once with the three chairs and then leave them with you for you to try out.... Where would you fit them all....

[tulips123 in reply to Hidden]

1 in the lounge, 1 in the bedroom, 1 in the shower. Best I can do!

[Hidden]

I saved up and bought one from llyods for just over 200 plain but works for fatty Los me

[tulips123 in reply to Hidden]

Do you know, it didn't occur to me to look on e.bay or online, I would never have thought you could get them for that sort of price and for my weight. x

[tettridge]

Hi

I got mine a few years ago from E-Bay, it cost me £200 and the people managed to deliver it and it reclines back with a rising footrest and all three can vibrate.

The only problem is it is Green, but we put a cover over it and it is great.

Sorry I don't mean to be a bragger but just wanted to point out that there are alternatives out there.

Take care and Kindest regards

Terry

[tulips123 in reply to tettridge]

Not at all, we need options! Sounds like you have a real bargain there as well!

[Fibrofoggiest]

Oh gosh, I have a recliner which is too big for my cottage, if anyone wants it, it's free and gratis........

Foggy x

[tulips123 in reply to Fibrofoggiest]

Why not try advertise it locally for collection say nominal £5 (cost of advert?) I'm sure someone in need will take it off your hands. My outside shed is full of stuff that belonged to my hubbie (died 2010). I cannot go in there, physically or emotionally, and I'm not sure what to do with it 'cause I dont even know what's there! xx

[electricjaws]

..perhaps these chairs all go back to the" CHAIRMAN"OF THE BOARD,!.. who's job it is all day is to sit in a office with a big pair of scissors and lots and lots.. of boxes of red tape to cut through!!!... I hope you get your chair!, someone I now had a similar carry on( with a bed I think it was), for her elderly mother that was over still ongoing for 8 months 9unfortunately her mum died in march and ironically they got in touch with the lady I know now offering her mother the bed, in a very trite manner the lady I know said ,my mother died in march probably waiting for the bl***y bed!!, they didn't know what to say !!!!

[tulips123 in reply to electricjaws]

That's awful!

Love the CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, could almost feel sorry for him, would be a kindness to 'retire' him!

[electricjaws in reply to tulips123]

.. what are they going to do when there is no red tape left as they have exhausted all the colourant to make any more red tape?? !!.... maybe that will take a lot of decision making... which will take a year to decide ..a year to plan how much they need... and another year or two to buy it due to funding...!!!!

.. so I reckon it may take at least four years to get your chair!!! ( I am only joking I hope they see what futile idiots they are and sort it out for you,) I know someone who needs a wheelchair and have been waiting for one on the nhs for a 9 months ,I told her daughter how cheap they are on e-bay and they got a really great one for £ 45!!!!, it is in great condition too, I bought a new wheelchair 7 yrs approx. ago and it was £100 then from a mobility shop , If back then I had known about e-bay myself I would have not paid out all that money...

[tulips123]

How many politicians does it take to change a light bulb? All of them. How long does it take, from all party quango committee meeting to treasury funding to House of Commons debate to House of Lords rejection, and back to the beginning to start all over again? minimum 5 years (term of office). How much does the process cost? As much as they think they can get away with + and some!

Cynic? Me? Noooooo!

[Babs1620]

I did not know that you could get a recliner from Social Service, I have always purchased my own. Even though I am in touch with Social Services they have never advised me of the thtings they could provide to help me.

[tulips123 in reply to Babs1620]

OT department of your Social Services can come to your home, make an assessment of your disability and whatever aids could help you. From cutlery/kitchen aids (like lever taps etc.), to a shower/wet room if you are no longer able to get in the bath, widening doorways for wheelchair access. If there is any aspect in your home you find is a problem, I would recommend getting in touch.