Ceiling track hoist

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

April

I have a ceiling track hoist for my adult son and daughter, and it needs a new handset. The hoist was bought via a disabled facilities grant, but who pays for the spare parts? I also pay for a service twice a year on three hoists. The costs mount up. 

Jean_OT

Hi @April

As the hoist was provided via a DFG it might be worth speaking to the Community OT in the first instance. I think the response you will get will depend on factors like: how old is the hoist? (is it still under warranty?), is it still generally fit for your son and daughter's needs or should they be reassessed for something more modern? Did you agree to a contract that gave you liability to obtain a service/maintenance contract? 

If the local authority feel they have no liability they will probably suggest that this is the sort of expense that should be paid from your children's DLA/PIP. However, as you have pointed out there are a lot of other expenses that you have to meet so you may also wish to explore the possibility of applying for charitable funding: 

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

Best Wishes

Jean