Hello - trying to set up the support I need to maintain my independence.

sgjools

My name is Julia, I am 57 and had a major stroke 3 years ago which left me with disabilities. I lost my partner/carer in August and am desperately trying to set up the support I need to maintain my independence, but I feel I am just bashing my head against brick walls. I joined this community in the hope of picking the brains of more knowledgeable people. I will try not to be too much of a nuisance with the questions

Holly_Alumni

Hi @sgjools welcome to the community. 🙂 You're definitely in the right place for advice, there's a lot of really knowledgeable members here which I'm sure will be willing to offer input from their experiences.

I'm so sorry - You've had a really rough few years. I can't comprehend what losing your partner must be like but it sounds like you're incredibly strong. Do you have friends and family you see/speak to regularly?

Have you heard of the carers assessment offered by the NHS? They should be able to work with you to provide the best possible support to maintain your independence. I've added below a link to the NHS website where you can read a little more about this, and request one if that's the route you wish to take.

Carer's assessments - Social care and support guide - NHS

I'm not aware of the steps you've taken so far, so apologies if you've already done this or I've misunderstood.

Best wishes,

Holly.

Kimi87

I think the lady needs a care needs assessment as she lost her carer.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/help-from-social-services-and-charities/getting-a-needs-assessment/

sgjools

Thankyou Kimmy and Holly. I am in the process of getting some kind of needs assessment and do have an adult social worker helping me, but today I was informed my council will not provide a ramp so that I can leave my house, because I am not completely confined to a wheelchair. That really doesn't seem right to me, feels like discrimination against people with severe mobility issues. My stroke left me with severe Ataxia and I literally can only wobble a few steps. This is enough to wobble between various rooms in my one bedroom flat, but not enough to get to my Drs surgery at the end of my street. They said because I can wobble a few steps,I can wobble out to my scooter, but the point is, I can't get my scooter out of the front door because of the steps.😅