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We want to hear from you: please tell us about your experience of the online community.

Lcwra & personal mobility.

Jess45

Hi all, I’m Jess and new to this site, so not sure the best place to ask.

I have just been awarded lcwra due to arthritis in my lower back. I really struggle to stand or walk more than a few yards without being in extreme pain, so I find it very hard to go out and this really gets me down mentally, as stuck at home a lot. What I wanted to ask is, is there anywhere I can get help in getting some kind of mobility aids? ie; walking sticks, crutches etc. I know if I go out, some places allow you to hire a wheelchair, but I would like some kind of walking aids to at least get me from A to B. Is there any help or is it a case of having to buy them outright myself. Any help or advice will be gratefully received. Thank you. X

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Comments

colejames

Hi Jess,

I'm not sure where you are in the country, where I am we have a disability forum which is ru n by the district council and a charity which specifically deals with advice to members of the disabled community as well as Shopmobility which is another organisation which organises mobility aids. If you are not aware of there being where you are then I would suggest contacting the local library or Citizens Advice to see if they can point you to an organisation which could help you in your area.

Jess45

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1029973#Comment_1029973

Thank for your reply, I am in Northampton so will have a look to see if we have a disability forum. The nearest shopmobilty is in the next town over, which shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Thank you for your help.

figraspberry41

Hi Jess,

You have my empathy as I also suffer with arthritis and a degenerative spine. I purchased a folding walking stick from my local High Street Chemist. Most larger chemists will sell them they are about £18 - 20 pounds.

You could try asking for an Occupational Health Assessment (either via you GP or phoning Social Services to ask if an O.T. could come and make an assessment for you.

Most things these days can be purchased via internet (you say you are struggling to get out but also if you are not like me and technic phobic this might be an option for you. Also most larger Boots' Chemist or mobility shops will sell them However, you may qualify for support (or for free) by having an O.T. Assessment. Hope this is useful to you.

birdwatcher

Hi Jess. Nice to meet you. I'm wondering if you've got a physio. Might be worth having a chat with them if so. Mine gave me a stick and ,as my walking got worse ,a rollator( mine's a four wheeled walking trolley). It's an absolute godsend. Plus a physio will assess you for any other aids that might help . Perching stool for instance. Regarding a wheelchair . My son bought me one, second hand from the Red Cross. Think it was £60 but that's a few years ago. Perhaps worth thinking about before you spend a lot of money at one of the disability equipment shops. And your physio has your best interests at heart, they're not in the business of making money

OverlyAnxious

Hi,

LCWRA is only about your ability to work.

There is another benefit specifically designed to cover mobility costs and that is PIP. (Personal Independence Payment). It sounds like you should apply for that one as well.

If awarded high rate Mobility you would have access to the Motability Scheme which can offer a new vehicle or a mobility scooter if either of those would benefit you. Even with standard rate Mobility, that would help to cover costs of any aids that you buy yourself.

If buying new disability aids, you can have the VAT removed in most cases, which reduces the cost by about 20%.

Jess45

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1029986#Comment_1029986

Ah thank you, I was expecting them cost more, but might actually look in the chemist online. I’m currently under a referral at a private hospital for treatment so hopeful they can help with pain x

JennieWren

I have spinal issues and agree with all of the suggestions above, especially getting an OT to do an assessment of your house. They may also give you a catalogue so that you have an idea of what’s out there for future reference. But will set you up to keep you safe and keep your pain levels as low as possible. They also drop it off and if necessary provide maintenance too.

Jess45

I’m currently under private hospital treatment through the nhs, already had steroid injections for the nerves at the spinal column with no luck, so am now waiting radio-frequency ablation 🤞🏻but will definitely speak to them about extra help, didn’t even think to look for second hand either, thank you x

Jess45

Hi, I’m on standard pip for my mental health & currently in the processing my change of circumstances for my back so 🤞🏻for a good outcome x

luvpink

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/134776/lcwra-personal-mobility

Hi yes

You need your Doctor to refer you to an O.T and a physiotherapist.

HappyDays62

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1030035#Comment_1030035

Hi Jess, I have similar problems with my back and can only stand for a few seconds using my rollator. It has a seat so I can stand and walk a few steps, then sit for a bit, repeat, repeat…. I also use it as a perch stool in the kitchen. I get the higher rate PIP for mobility and have also been awarded a blue badge, which helps with parking. Luckily, my husband is on hand to help me get out of the house; otherwise, I would be stranded. Anyway, I use my PIP money for aids to help me around the house, and I buy most of my aids from https://www.essentialaids.com/, they will apply the 20% VAT relief if you answer a couple of questions at checkout - OA is valid for this reduction. Alternatively, eBay usually has second-hand aids available. Good luck with the PIP reassessment.

Kimi87

You can self refer to Occupational Therapy, and many areas offer self referral to Physiotherapy as well.

russ7

Hi,contact your local council as they have supplies or use companies that provide walking aids & equipment,hope you find what you need .

Jess45

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1030133#Comment_1030133

will speak to the gp, my go has already referred me to the hospital which I am already having procedures for, steroid injections haven’t worked, so waiting for a radio-frequency ablation at the the spinal nerves