PIP assessment

[JanJan63]

Hi, I have got my PIP assessment on Monday 14th January, it's for Lupus and fibromyalgia. I am feeling very anxious and nervous, which is not helping the amount of pain I'm experiencing at the moment. Please, any advice would be much appreciated.

[whisperit]

Hello JanJan63

There's no getting away from it, it is a stressful process. I managed to get the enhanced rate for both care and mobility recently - you can read about that here healthunlocked.com/lupusuk/...

Remember they are not terribly interested in your diagnoses, but very interested in your ability to care for yourself and get around on a daily basis. So a lot of the questions will related to things like - can you make your own meals, how far can you wlak, do you need helkp with dressing or washing and so on. A daily diary sheet filled out in line with their assessment criteria is very helpful - give them a couple of weeks worth so they get an understanding of your daily routine and how much assistance you need.. x

[JanJan63 in reply to whisperit]

Hi Whisperit,

Thank you for the reply, I will take on board all of the tips you gave me.

Have a lovely weekend.

[MEW53]

Hello JanJan63,

As Whisperit says it’s a very stressful process.

You have to think about the way you behave in front of them, it’s very easy in your own environment to appear better than you actually are. They will watch how you move around, don’t be too hospitable making tea gives away too much. Think as if it is feels like one of your worst days health wise, don’t volunteer information, when they ask you a question just answer what you’ve been asked. Even opening your front door gives away things like how long you take to answer it and how you manage to get into the lounge. If you use a stick have it nearby and use it.

Just think about what you’re being asked and take your time answering.

Good luck.

[JanJan63 in reply to MEW53]

Hi Mew53,

Thank you for the reply. I am going to the assessment center but my

sister will be picking me up and will attend the asssessment with me.

I will take into consideration all the info you gave me.

Have a lovely weekend.

[Krazykat26]

They will be watching u from the moment u pull into the car park..use any walking aids n take your time getting in there. When they ask about your 'typical day' pick one of your worst days n tell them about that..it's the topsy turvy way that they do these assessments..remember u get points for what u can't do rather than what u can. They will also ask u to do some exercises..if u can't do them then don't..u can refuse!!

Good luck xx

[JanJan63 in reply to Krazykat26]

Hi KrazyKat26

Thank you, your advice is much appreciated. Have a lovely and pain free weekend.

[kmuirhead]

I had my assessment at home and was fortunate enough to be awarded the enhanced rate for both. It was a very difficult assessment, I had two people with me. Relate to the worst day and emphasise the negative aspects of your condition. The assessor does not make the decision, it is made by a non-medical person. Take as much evidence from consultants, GP, nurses, occupational therapy etc. These are invaluable. Good luck, Kathleen

[JanJan63]

Thank you to all who replied. I had the assessment yesterday

and it went okay, I felt as though the assessor speeded through everything. Although it's not upto the assessor whether we get pip or not but their judgement as to what they write a down about our symptoms do carry a lot of weight.