Beyond frustrated with Social Care Assessment.

sgjools

Hi guys. I had a large stroke 3 years ago. Until August, my partner was my carer, now I am struggling to get support.

I have had a social care assessment recently, but it is frankly ridiculous. For a start the assessment didn't list a single disability. I have hemiparesis, ataxia, hypoesthesia and severe, life threatening, epilepsy. All of these are a result of my stroke. All of these conditions put me in danger of falls or injuries. I fall regularly and often injure myself without even knowing until I see the bruising (I can't feel my left side). The assessment started because of a nasty injury to my big toe that I have no clue about how it happened. I also had 3 episodes of status epilepticus last year. Fortunately I had my partner and, for the last episode, my sister, to ensure I received the medical attention I needed, but next time I will be alone. Despite all this, the assessment literally says my safety needs are 'being met'

Also highly frustrating, I am not entitled to a ramp because I can wobble a few steps, but I am also not entitled to a walker, because I am unsafe on my feet.

I feel like I am expected to remain a prisoner in my home until my next seizure and then I can just die. I am still relatively young, 57, and my mind is still, mostly, intact. This should not be my life

If anybody has any clue how I can get a more honest needs assessment, or even some path to be able to leave my house, I would greatly appreciate it. I am not just frustrated, but becoming seriously depressed.

kitsmum

Like with benefits I think you can appeal it. Please anyone else correct if I'm wrong.

theme79

sadly everything requires us to argue, push, appeal - then repeat and repeat - it’s a war of attrition driven by lack of LA funding and poorly qualified staff - they bank on you giving up or dropping off this mortal coil before they are forced to give in.

MCMikey

Hi.

Try Citizens Advice, see if they can help or point you towards a body who can. I found Age UK helpful for advice even though I'm only slightly older than you at 58.

NHS possibly maybe have a different view and can help

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/care-services-equipment-and-care-homes/care-and-support-you-can-get-for-free/

HappyDays62

Scope has this:

https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/home-adaptations-occupational-therapist-assessments

I was referred to my local council who are very helpful, so maybe that's a route you could try - see links in the above. Your situation is appalling, I hope you get a better assessment.

Jellihead

@sgjools

Do you have a disability organisation near you? Which is an organisation that supports people with disabilities. Specifically your disabilities who could come and sit with you in an assessment as support. Your local authority should advise you of what is available?

The Care Act 2014 I believe states that you are entitled to one as well. I attach a link, specifically look at Section 4b

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/23/part/1/crossheading/assessing-needs

Rosie_Scope

Hi @sgjools, sorry to hear you've felt dismissed by your needs assessment. While I'm no expert on these things, it doesn't sound like they've taken your needs into account at all here.

An advocate might be able to help you challenge what's happened at your assessment:

Advocates for social care assessments and appeals | Disability charity Scope UK

If you'd like to, you can also make a formal complaint, there's a section about this on the Scope website too:

Challenging or complaining about social care | Disability charity Scope UK

As another person as suggested, Citizens Advice might also be a good shout as they'll have an idea of what support you can get locally.

Hope you can get things sorted soon.

sgjools

Thank you everybody who has offered suggestions. I feel more optimistic now that I have some ideas on how to move forward.

Banarama123

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/985920#Comment_985920

may I just ask if you are in receipt of pip. Are your disabilities listed at your GP or maybe a consultant. They can also refer you and pip is proof of your disabilities.

sgjools

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/986033#Comment_986033

Yes, I get PIP and yes my disabilities are documented. They are so well documented getting PIP was literally just filling out the form the documented evidence did the rest. My stroke took out much of the right hemisphere of my brain.

I have told Adult Social Care I can use my PIP to pay for my own ramp if I could just get some help working out what I actually need, because I am not an engineer and my front door is complicated, but she told me that can't happen because I don't qualify for a ramp. I don't think my pip would stretch to a live in carer, nor do I want or need one I want to maintain my independence and believe I can. I just need to be able to leave my house on my scooter and be in some sort of accommodation where help is nearby when I have a fall or seizure. A walk in shower would also make a huge difference, but I can make do with washing from a perching stool, so I don't consider that detrimental to my physical and mental health