PIP face to face at home

[sharpsally]

Hi

Anyone had a PIP face to face assessment at home? I’ve got one on Monday and not sure what to expect?

❄️

[BillBruce]

I think that you should write down all your physical and medical problems and number them . Dont do this at one go,just take your time.Don’t underestimate them by thinking ‘O that’s a nuisance , but I can manage it ‘Ifyou have anything that is getting worse it is important to mention it . Have someone with you at the meeting

I hope this helps and good luck

Bill

[sharpsally in reply to BillBruce]

Thanks Bill, that’s a really good idea. I will try and get this done over the next few days. It’s going to be hard as I’m not good at explaining how bad things are, I might write myself a script to keep me on track. Thanks again

[Adnil53 in reply to sharpsally]

Don’t forget to take it as your worst case sensario ! I know I have pain every day and fatigue but some days are more severe than others ! Just take your time and get up and move around if your not comfortable x don’t feel under pressure if you can help it xx good luck xx

[sharpsally]

It’s good to get your advice, thank you. I’m so nervous about it. I don’t have anyone I can ask to be with me so gotta be brave. I have supported others through their assessments which have been uncomfortable which I think is making me more worried.

I won’t put my make up on that day, will look like a ghost! Good advice to follow.

[Hidden in reply to sharpsally]

Don't offer tea/coffee. Don't do any movements they ask, say "No, I can't do that". Take your time answering the door and use any walking aids you have (stick, crutches etc). Let them see just how difficult things are for you. And all the best.

[Hidden]

Although I am critical of the DWP and miscarriages of justice have been well documented, I feel that advising people to stay in bed when they would otherwise be up or not to wash when they would otherwise do so is a bit disingenuous and bonkers. I think that the assessors have a fairly bureaucratic ( and by this I mean fairly rigid, box ticking way of working). So I doubt whether you have washed or brushed your hair on the day will be relevant. I am also fairly certain that if you say you are under rheumatology that they will contact that dept and what your rheumatologist says will carry weight. My assessor seemed to have knowledge of the way in which arthritis affects you and although I have no way of knowing this, so it is only my opinion ,I felt she was looking to see how truthful I was. So hamming things up is probably not a good idea. Just be honest and by all means make a list beforehand of things you find difficult or can't do ( run through the day in your head from when you wake up to when you go to bed- putting socks on,making the bed, undoing jars, putting the wheelie bin out etc ) especially if you think nerves will cause you to forget and remember to say how it is on your worst days.

[sharpsally in reply to Hidden]

I don’t have anything to hide, my RA has made me disabled. I couldn’t fake it if I tried. You are right, being honest is the best policy. Thank you for your reply.

[Hidden in reply to sharpsally]

Yes - me too. I really would advise thinking about what happens when you wake up until you go to bed - pulling curtains, undoing tins, undoing jars etc . There will be more than you realise. Write them all down beforehand. I was not saying anyone was not genuine but I really think that is what they are looking for in their assessment.

[sharpsally]

It’s weird isn’t it, around for others and then when you need a little support others are all too busy.

It’s good to know that there are people who offer their support, glad I joined NRAS, thank you 😊

[Hidden]

Fair enough Ajay. I could have been fortunate to have a kind assessor with knowledge of arthritis and am basing my experience on this. You have had less positive experiences and I do know enough to know that wrong decisions have been made.

[norwegianjock in reply to Hidden]

My assessor was an ex staff nurse speciality Arthritis. She looked at my joints asked why I had had a total knee replacement told her said waiting on getting left one done, she took into account all other chronic diseases I had running said good bye and left after 20 minutes 2 weeks later pip award both at full amount for 10 years. I was honest with her she had old notes from 3 years previous so they didn't help much but be honest with them and I'm sure all will be okay let's know how you get on

[Hidden]

Fair enough. I take your point.

[Hidden]

Yes, I think I was lucky. She was a nice young girl and seemed to really understand how arthritis affects your ability to perform day to day tasks. I did not really expect that as most people unless they have it have no idea. She told me to say how it was on my worst days not my best.

[Libluce8]

Don’t answer the door yourself and have your driving licence out (or other ID). My husband has RA and cognitive impairment and they made a big thing on these two things as to why they gave nil points - he wasn’t claiming mobility issues and they said he got his driving licence out his wallet, which he doesn’t have as he can’t get cards out of a wallet, he has a small zip purse. Also they want to know hoe your condition affects your day to day life, this is where PIP differs from DLA, PIP is about the affects whereas DLA was about the conditions you have. So awful to say, but behave as you would on your worse day...

Good luck x

[Scottiedottie]

I've been a PIP assessor and also have PsA plus loads of other conditions. Agree with what has been said. Be honest. Be truthful. The assessor should be listening carefully but will also be watching your every move. There is no point in staying in bed or not washing etc. Honesty is the best policy. Just remember they are assessing you and how your daily activities are affected by your condition. It's about how your need for help with conditions. Or aids to help. If you drive tell them how long you can drive without stopping. Just be honest.

[sharpsally in reply to Scottiedottie]

Thank you, I have a lot I can say about how RA has changed my life and not for the better. Agree that honesty best way and if that doesn’t convince the assessor I guess I can always appeal?

[cheltonian in reply to Scottiedottie]

Hi, as you were a PIP assessor can I ask why my assessor spent an age in the toilet with his laptop? He didn't really spend as much time with me as I thought he would and my daughter, who was with me, felt the same. He was also half an hour early 8.30am instead of 9am.I didn't feel he was listening to me either.

[Hidden]

First of all I wish you all the best for Mobdsy. ( maybe it will be cancelled due to snow?!)

This is my experience - I had home visit due to chronic pain and the fact I was head to toe covered in psoriasis and couldn't even wear normal clothes / leave house. I had not asked for a home visit.

Assessor lady came with the laptop. They go through the descriptor answers you gave in the lPIP form. Helps if you have copy of what you wrote, or can remember, just so they can't say you did or said otherwise. They will be taking notice of your home environment, how you are sitting, c how you hold a cup, etc , if you have any aids visible in room. All kinds of observations people maybe unaware of, but bear in mind you will have written down on PiP form, if you use any aids or applicances given to you make are you have these where they should be. So it's obvious you need them. I was also asked how many aids etc I had. Assessor did not go around the house though, but I have adapted bathroom )

Also a good idea have your medication to hand, or an upto date prescription form. Assessor wrote mine down. Sometimes medications have changed since the application form.

If you need to take medication for pain etc let them know and see youvare in pain. Dont sit there suffering too afraid to say so. I'd ageee with others and have someone with you if at all possible. My husband fetched me a drink and pain meds I was asked how far I could walk, but not asked to walk or even stand up. She did see how far my arm could lift up, and moved my legs a bit. ( I have scar damage behind knees from burns )

Remember to get across your worst days. But I'd advise being truthful ( I'm not implying you'd not be). Most people will have days that vary. If you have any recent new evidence the assessor should take this. My assessment lasted about 90 minutes I think.

Very best of luck- I know how stressful this is for everyone. I have heard most home visits result in a positive outcome for award.

[sharpsally in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for sharing your Home visit experience, it is really helpful to hear what others have gone through, although a mixed bag, I just hope the assessor is understanding.

I have just finished a course of steroids so joints are good at the moment, I feel now I should have held out before taking them as I was almost rigid. I tend to put on a brave face as far as the pain is concerned but, you are right I shouldn’t be afraid to say if I’m struggling.

Thank you again, helps to know you have people routing for you 🙂

[Hidden in reply to sharpsally]

You're very welcome. Keep us updated.

[Elainer84]

I’ve recently had a pip assesment at home. Luckily I have my husband to care for me and he helped with my answers. The assessor was really nice. I voiced how afraid and disappointed I was after my last assessment in an assessment centre and he really made me feel at ease. I wasn’t asked as many questions as I had at the assessment centre. It seemed he didn’t doubt my disability and my day to day struggles. He focused mainly on my mental health. Asking if I could theoretically use a cash machine or find my way around my local area. I can but I’m mostly confined to my home as I have major anxiety issues about Venturing outdoors. He obsevered my movements etc which isn’t much and asked me to lift my foot and rotate it which I struggled to do. At the time I was in my Panama’s as I struggle to dress so practically live in them and I sat on my sofa. I felt it went as well as it could it was nothing like my assessment in an assessment centre. I wasn’t allowed a home visit unless dying 🙄 and the assessor absolutely humiliated me and reduced me to tears. I received my report and was awarded the same as I had before. I’ve appealed on the basis that they didn’t contact my rheumatologist or nurse. My rheumy nurse also advised me to appeal. They stated that I didn’t need to have a face to face assessment which I had. They also said I could walk more than 20 metres but no more than 50 metres which isn’t true. The decision was based on old Note’s and X-rays I had received at the beginning of my disease. I demanded new X-rays and requested that my rheumatologist write a letter stating how severe my disease is and how much the progressive damage has affected me. I can only advise that you contact your rheumys secretary and request this letter as they don’t seem to request the information themselves. Good luck. 🍀

[Jan101]

Hi sweetie I had mine at home and pleaded to say it went well and the assessor was really lovely and helped me with my answers. I didn’t get dressed I stayed in my pgs and dressing gown. She was with me for 1 hour. I put all my medication on my kitchen table. My oh stayed at home with me to give me some support. Half way through I burst into tears and she asked what was wrong and I said all this makes me see how ill I am and I feel embarrassed as I have never claimed for anything in my life before and she said you mustn’t feel embarrassed as I see all sorts of people from bankers film stars all sorts.

It took a few weeks after the assessment and I was awarded high rate on both and it was on going. So that means it’s not for any set time.

I wish you all the luck in the world. Please let us know how you get on.

Have a lovely weekend and keep lovely and warm. Love and hugs 🤗🤗🌹🌹😘😘👍🤞

[sharpsally in reply to Jan101]

It’s good to hear that all went well and you had a nice assessor. Brilliant to be awarded, must be a relief.

I think I will also be emotional, I was in tears filling out the form. I haven’t ever claimed, and have always worked, fiercely independent until the RA reduced me to a disabled woman who can’t even open a bag of crisps!!

I’m going to take all the good advice I have received and hope that the event goes smoothly. I am so worried but I feel stronger knowing that others, like yourself have been awarded a little help. It will not take away the RA but it will help me on a day to day basis.

☃️❄️ stay warm and thank you 🙂

[Jan101 in reply to sharpsally]

Morning sweetie yes it was and I was so glad when it was all over. I can totally relate to the stress and worry that you are feeling now but it will come to a end. My heart truly goes out to you and RA is a terrible thing to deal with. I will keep my fingers crossed 🤞 that you will get all the help that you need.

Have a lovely weekend sweetie and please wrap yourself up warm if you are going out. Love and hugs 🤗🤗🌹🌹😘😘

[Tia1floyd2]

Hi,

Yes I had s face to face a couple of months ago the girl who did mine was a nurse she was lovely and made me feel comfortable didn't ask me to do anything just questions abt personal things like going to the toilet on my own how far ah could walk gave me some really good advice also more or less told me it was a no brainier 3 weeks later I got the enchanted rate for both mobility and for the rest pain factor n all the rest don't worry just be honest n don't exaggerate anything just b truthfully hope u get on ok let me please thanks Tricia

[sharpsally in reply to Tia1floyd2]

Hi Tricia, that sounds just like it should be and fabulous that you were awarded the enhanced rate.

I think my worry comes from hearing and being with others during their assessments and the experiences have been far from pleasant. I would never have thought I would be in a position to have to claim too. Your experience does give me hope, thank you, will let you know 😊

[Tia1floyd2 in reply to sharpsally]

Good luck and as I say I was totally honest never made it out to b worse or better than it was hope u have a good experience with the accessor, remember they r there to help as well, best of luck n keep me up to date Xxx🤗