Bath aids and financial assistance

Anth

I am an OAP and have fibromyalgia and multiple allergies.
i have had hearing problems since 18 when I had a mastoid op in my right ear..my allergies limit me so much when it comes to pain meds. I can't have antibiotics and certain materials are problematic too..I've made adjustments all my days and have found non invasive ways of coping with my illnesses. Old age has also taken its toll on my joints and doing most stuff these days is virtually impossible. I love a nice soak in a bath rather than a shower but have difficulty getting down and up in the bath..has anyone any advice on this? I know there are bath AIDS but I'm not sure if there is financial assistance for this..I live in Scotland.

Pippa_Alumni

Hi @anth, and welcome to the community!

So sorry to hear about your circumstances- I have multiple allergies that limit the medications I can take too, and know how frustrating this can be. I hope we can help you find some suitable assistance. 

Have you tried searching for grants to see whether any are suitable for you?

JennysDad

Hello @anth, and a warm welcome to you. Glad you have found us.
I'm not any kind of authority on this, I'm afraid, but I know that I worked as a temp for my local authority some time ago in a department which provided such aids. You could perhaps try your own local authority website, run a search for something like 'bath aids' and see what comes up. Local Authorities are supposed to have responsibility for helping people to live safely at home.
Please have a look at yours and let me know what, if anything, you find. Others here in the community may well respond with information too.
In the meanwhile, we're here, listening, looking to help in any way we can.
Warmest best wishes to you,
Richard

CockneyRebel

We recently purchased an inflatable bath aid, bit like an inflatable chair that you put it the bath. then you inflate it with a compressor, sit on it and let it down, do the opposite when finished. it was used twice by previous owner but only cost £30 on ebay

CR

Jean_OT

Hi @Anth

I recommend that you arrange to have your local authority Occupational Therapist (OT) conduct an assessment of your equipment needs. The rules are slightly different for Scotland so here is a link to relevant information from Age Scotland:  

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/documents/en-gb-sc/factsheets - scotland/factsheet 42s - equipment for daily living.pdf?dtrk=true

I think it is possible that the local authority will be able to supply you a bath aid free of charge but you will probably have to argue the point that a soak in the bath is necessary to manage your other health/wellbeing issues even if your basic hygiene needs are addressed  by having a shower. 

 

Best Wishes

Jean

 

https://community.scope.org.uk/categories/ask-an-occupational-therapist

charlene

I have just seen an OT at my local authority, I think my doctor gave me info on it.  They have helped me with a trolley and are adapting my staircase for.  I am sure you could get help, all the best. charlene

Anth

Thank you Charlene..I will check the LA out.

JennysDad

Hi @Anth
And yes, it makes sense, I remember that the department I worked in was the practical resource base for the Authority's OTs. 
Best,
Richard

mollymitz

Having great trouble trying to get a bath put in council says no tried my mp where do I go next 

Jean_OT

Hi @mollymitz

Sorry to hear that the local authority OT doesn't feel that you meet the criteria to be provided with a bath aid.

Further to my earlier response. Are you clear of the grounds on which you feel that you meet the local authority criteria? If so, and you can evidence what you are saying, use the local authorities complaint procedure.

You could try to find a local advocacy service to support you in arguing your case 

http://www.disabilityscot.org.uk/

If you are unable to get a bath aid from statutory sources and you are unable to self fund you may need to explore sources of charitable funding:

https://www.scope.org.uk/support/disabled-people/search-grants

Best Wishes

Jean