PIP washing and bathing, how many points if aids are needed?

starlight33

Hello. I understand that this question is based around an unadapted bath/shower?

I cannot sit unaided at all. Could not even wash myself if someone put me in a bath.  I have a custom moulded shower chair that has been specially made to enable me to sit up and wash.  Does this mean 8 points as wouldn't be able to do it at all in unadapted shower or bath?? Thanks

April2018mom

Hello

Welcome to Scope! My son has Spina Bifida. Since he cannot use a traditional shower safely, we are in the process of replacing it with a walk in shower. I currently have him washing himself on a bathmat in the shower, but this is not a sensible long term solution. Due to paralysis he needs a non slip mat in the bathroom. 
I want him to experience independence and dignity.
See the PIP descriptors for activity 4 (scroll down a page) here at https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/Migrated_Documents/adviceguide/pip-9-table-of-activities-descriptors-and-points.pdf
Read them carefully. Do you have DLA or not? You can use the funding to improve your quality of life. 

poppy123456

2 points for needing aids.

starlight33

Hi. As the question refers to unadopted bath or shower, if you are unable to wash yourself in either because you can't sit up, so affects using your arms to wash. They also spasm, does that mean you can argue for 8points wouldn't be able to do it at all, even if had assistance to get in?? 

atlas46

Hi @starlight33

It is a straight two points, I use a number of aides, in carrying out this descriptor, but you only get the single score of two points.

If you need assistance from another person to get on/off your chair, this might increase the points awarded.

Hope this helps.

cristobal

@starlight33 - I tend to agree with the previous posters..maybe 3 points if you need help to get into the bath? 

Might be useful to look at this link - has lot's of examples of what sorts aids help etc under Activity 4

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria

starlight33

Thanks

starlight33

I only have upper body control and able to use my arms when in my custom moulded seat.  Without it my whole body spasms, including my arms, due to a reflex action. My arms go completely stiff so it prevents me from using them, when unsupported.  Does this count for 8 or 4? Also, how do you explain reflexes causing involuntary movement and spasms. Do assessors understand this language as very hard to explain any other way @ ilovecats.

Thanks

starlight33

Thanks very much for your help.  Quite complicated to explain it all unless it's seen I guess