occupational therapy assessment and moving

Geegeenumber1

Hi all
I wondered if anyone had any tips or experience.
I am in a housing association one bed flat on the first floor with a lift that is often out of order.
There is no room for a wheelchair and as a student studying remotely i have been offered ergonomic equipment like a desk and chair but have no room for them
i have also been going back and fourth between essex and london to visit my mum who provides all of my personal care, shopping, batch cooking, cleaning and is looking after my pets
social care say they cant help but have referred me for an OT assessment
I wondered what happens at one and if anyone can give me any tips
I have also contacted my local mp who is specialised in disability and have asked them to support me to be moved into a 2 bed ground floor flat so my mum can stay over a few times a week and care for me
i have also asked for a letter from my gp
the housing have turned me down so far and apparently my evidence needs to state exactly why i need an overnight carer which is what ive asked mp and gp to write but obviously i cant dictate what they write
i know there is a massive housing shortage so would happily move to private rented if i was supported with the cost of moving and paying the extra rent - have my local hosing allowance increased to the 2 bedroom rate
im a student on full pip and universal credit and struggling to find properties that accept dss anyway so its not easy

i have applied for discretionary housing payment for moving and paying for a 2 bedroom flat but have been turned down as they say i do not meet the criteria

i cannot walk and have not got room for a indoor wheelchair i am waitingg to be assessed for a outdoor wheelchair but have no room for it 

i have also seen that there is a charity called independenceathome.org that gives grants to people referred by social services, a doctor or housing and all three have said they cannot refer me and passed it to someone else i am completely isolated in my flat and have only been out by taxi and ambulance to hospital a few times in last year 

i also have bipolar disorder and sleep problems which can cause an episode made worse by nasty racist neighbours and an incident that happened a year ago when i was unwell. 

if anyone has any advice i welcome it thank you 

janer1967

Hi 

Sorry to hear about your situation 

The assessment consists of a ot visit your home and assess any aids or adaptions you need or the type of property you need

They do a report and send it on to the service appropriately for your needs. 
This can help get you higher up on waiting list

As for your other questions I'm not really sure about 

MarkM88

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/care/arranging-care/care-needs-assessment/

That should help. 

It explains the areas you will be assessed in and the things the OT should take into consideration. 

Geegeenumber1

Thanks both I'm not even on a list at moment they say I haven't enough evidence I was turned down for needs assessment can only have ot one

poppy123456

A needs assessment can only be done by an OT. I don't know how you can apply for a discretionary housing payment when you have no where to move to at the moment, which is why you were turned down.

If you do successfully find a landlord that will accept DSS tenant then you can apply for the DHP.  Whether you'll be allowed an extra bedroom for a carer will totally depend on your conditions, not everyone is granted an extra bedroom for this.

If there's a shortfall in rent then you can apply for a DHP with the loca Authority where you will be moving to and not your existing local Authority.

Geegeenumber1

nope you can apply for a DHP from your existing council to rent a property for removals and such. I did find a property and was not refused for the reasons you give

I have ample medical evidence to state why I need a carer - but it is housing that ultimately decide

Geegeenumber1

i have been turned down for a care act needs assessment but have been referred for an OT assessment 

MarkM88

I don’t believe you can be refused an assessment. Have you challenged this? 

Geegeenumber1

no i think its the OT assessment that is needed anyway. I was told any personal care, shopping, washing etc would have to be organised and paid for by myself which is what I am already doing 

The social work referrer was due to call me at 11 to do the OT referral and its nearly 2 and heard nothing

Tori_Scope

Did you hear anything in the end @Geegeenumber1? 

Geegeenumber1

nope been chasing them today but not heard anything

Geegeenumber1

well the lady rang me back today and took me through the OT referral so now its a wait up to 6 weeks to see if can be assessed by an OT 

Hopefully something will come of it 

Tori_Scope

It's frustrating to wait so long, but hopefully you'll get an assessment sooner rather than later @Geegeenumber1  

L_Volunteer

I hear you @discussionpoint. Thanks for your advice. I am sure @Geegeenumber1 appreciates all our support.

@Geegeenumber1 please don't hesitate to let us know if we can do anything else to help 

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