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bath to shower conversion
pjohng
Member Posts: 3 Listener
Dear Jean
We live in an housing association property, my wife has disabilities but at present I do not.
About one year ago my wife had an assessment by social services which concluded that our very small bathroom should be converted to a wet room. Our bathroom measures 2x1m. Their assessment of cost meant that we would have to pa £4000 towards this conversion. Because we have a small amount of savings, which we are holding for end of life needs. Paying this amount would have left us little in reserve. So we refused the assessment. My wife has now been diagnosed with Parkinson's and her mobility has decreased even more. I once again approached the H/A and asked If we could convert the bath to a shower cubicle (self paid) cheaper option however they said we must be reassessed by an OT in order to request this. I approached social care and they said there is a 3 month waiting time. Do you think they will agree to this.
Thank you
We live in an housing association property, my wife has disabilities but at present I do not.
About one year ago my wife had an assessment by social services which concluded that our very small bathroom should be converted to a wet room. Our bathroom measures 2x1m. Their assessment of cost meant that we would have to pa £4000 towards this conversion. Because we have a small amount of savings, which we are holding for end of life needs. Paying this amount would have left us little in reserve. So we refused the assessment. My wife has now been diagnosed with Parkinson's and her mobility has decreased even more. I once again approached the H/A and asked If we could convert the bath to a shower cubicle (self paid) cheaper option however they said we must be reassessed by an OT in order to request this. I approached social care and they said there is a 3 month waiting time. Do you think they will agree to this.
Thank you
Replies
I can't see why not if your willing to pay for the job to be done yourself, have you considered a walk in bath or an electric seat.
Both a much cheaper option and leaves the bath still useable.
I think the best strategy is to have a frank conversation with the OT about your budget and your wife's needs.
If what you and your wife would prefer is a shower cubicle (presumably with low level access and a shower seat) tell the OT that. If the OT thinks that this option will be safe and meet your wife's hygiene needs then she is likely to endorse it. However, she is likely to also state what she has assessed as being the best option (i.e. a wetroom) for meeting your wife's needs in the longer term.
As AlexandriaUK has pointed out above there may also be other solutions to meeting your wife's needs but the OT is the best person to advise you on these and how compatible they are with your wife's diagnosis and prognosis.
Best Wishes
Jean
Jean Merrilees BSc MRCOT
You can read more of my posts at: https://community.scope.org.uk/categories/ask-an-occupational-therapist
Also if you have the means and don't want to wait you could commission a report from a private OT: https://www.rcotss-ip.org.uk/find although it would be sensible to check with your HA that they would be willing to accept a report from a source other than the community OT team.
Best Wishes
Jean
Jean Merrilees BSc MRCOT
You can read more of my posts at: https://community.scope.org.uk/categories/ask-an-occupational-therapist
John