Arthritis Forum
Home.

News.

Personal Stories. Links. Message Board.  
Arthritis Forum  
Add your comments to this topic Start a new topic
Date: 23.12.2009
From: kazzie

Subject: washing

i need help gettin in and out of the shower as its over our bath and my ot from the hospital recomened some one from social services come and look round and shye said that washing is not a neccestity and that i can go down the road to use a friends shower if i need help i coulndt believe it .i asked her could i have help or a social loan or any help with gettin a shower in and she said see welfare rights i asked her which department she said oh i dont know .and i did get a bit offy with her when she said (oh problem solved go to the neighbours to use shower)in this weather and when cant walk as it is .does anyone know were i can get help thanks
reply | back to forum

Date: 23.12.2009
From: bsk

Subject: Re: washing

That is completely outrageous! It might even be contrary to the Disability Act (not sure about this but you could throw it in for good measure). If were in your shoes I would make a complaint to her Line Manager and ask for someone else to come and reassess you. Washing is absolutely a necessity. I know my mum got a new bathroom with a walk-in shower completely paid for by the council and income was not even taken into account, as far as I am aware, it was done on need and her need was great (though their income was not large by any standards). (Sadly, they took so long to install it, she died the week after the work was finished.) At the very least they should give you grab handles and a bath seat that slots over the bath so you can at least sit down while you shower. I would check out on the council's website and see what they say about provision of this type of thing and quote it back to them if necessary.

You could point out that if you have a fall, either in your own bath or, on your way to your friend's house, they would be neglecting a 'duty of care' to you, which they absolutly have.
You could also point out that if you don't wash properly you could be open to infection from any cuts or wounds on your body, especially your feet. You could also mention dignity and privacy (not having to rely on other people to help you bathe.) Don't let them get away with such appalling laziness and dereliction of duty. I feel outraged by the idea of washing being a luxury.
reply | back to forum

Date: 23.12.2009
From: KayJay

Subject: Re: washing

Disgraceful. Our experience of the Social Worker has been quite unpleasant in the dealings on the behalf of my Mum. No sympathy whatsoever , all they wanted to know was did she own her own home. Have you thought about ringing or emailing your local Citizens Advice Burea ? I think ours are willing to visit if you can't get to their office.
reply | back to forum

Date: 23.12.2009
From: Verity

Subject: Re: washing

Oh my God! As if! Thats ridiculous, Im surprised you didn't swing for her lol. Ive never had any luck with OT (lots of promises but thats where it ends) so cant really help. I do have a shower seat though which enables me to wash when im feeling too unwell. Definately worth looking into. Good luck with them x
reply | back to forum

Date: 24.12.2009
From: kazzie

Subject: Re: washing

yeah i was ready to swing for her lol i got quite aggresive in my tone when she said oh you can go to neighbours .she said i could have a bath board but its the wrong side it will fit so she said oh thats no good so she came up with nothing .i have a brillant ot at the hospital so after xmas on tues when i go in and i goin make a complant but she said get in touch with welfare rights but who do i contact in which department .thanks for all your replies back i thought it was just me but it seems this has happened to a few people .
reply | back to forum

Date: 24.12.2009
From: jill

Subject: Re: washing

Terrible Kazzie...shocked...wish i had been with u, wld of Thwacked her one!!! Ok this is what U need to do, getting my grab rails etc on 29th dec..... U ring your local council, and ask for the Occoupational Therapy Dept!...they will ask u a few questions with regards to your health...PLEASE tell them how bad u r etc, and what tht rotten social worker said at the hosp(put in huge complaint) they will pop round and c u, and look at what u need! if u live in council property, they have the means to Put in a wet room, I know this as a fact, as my best m8 has hers fitted last month.....cost council £4000.00..U will be entiteld to that, but can take time, meanwhile they will fit grab rails on bath.... and banisters up the stiars opposite the one u have...so u have two, to support u gettting upstairs....they will look around your property, even if U own your own house, had outside stairs fitted in my own house a ffew years back, didnt pay a thing.....they have been amazing to me...the Occcupational therapists arrange to get it all in to your home within a week,(after first home assesment visit)...amazing...so there is help out there, so after xmas, ring the council, ask for the Occupational therapy dept!! have a chat and they will help u, Please let me know how U get on......lots love Jill Happy xmas xxxx
reply | back to forum

Date: 24.12.2009
From: kazzie

Subject: Re: washing

yes someone else saidthis but it was the ot at the hospital that rang this person up and they came round so not sure who it was from cause she didnt say she just said she could get me some things to go on taps to turn them easy and yes am in acouncil home and when i asked bout shower she said only severly disabled people get showers till i pointed out someone i know got one whos deaf and she just told me i dont know anything boyut that persons cicumstances till i said there my cousin and thens when she said problem solver go there .its really gettin me depressed now as its really hard work gettin in and out of bath and the inside bath handle loose and she didnt even comment on that .am sure she said she was from social services so is that diffrent froma ot from council thanks
reply | back to forum

 

Add your comments to this topic
Subject:
Please type your comment here:

Your name:
email:

1+4=
(This sum is to help prevent automatic spamming through this page - thank-you)


top

Site design: T - Creative Home | News | Personal Stories | Links | Message Board