Hi. Is it possible for me to get a grant to reconfigure the kitchen to make it more accessible?

Wiffy1509

I have spondyloarthropathy, Fibromyalgia and Crohn's Disease, these conditions make it difficult to use my kitchen the way it is as it is near on impossible for me to get cookware etc out of the cupboards. It also has no radiator in which l need as the cold makes my condition worse and our kitchen is freezing more or less all year round. My husband also has COPD so we could really do with a radiator to make it warmer. Is it possible for me to get a grant to reconfigure the kitchen to make it more accessible for me to use everything. Would appreciate any help. 

poppy123456

First thing you need to do is refer yourself for a needs assessment from your local Authority. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/help-from-social-services-and-charities/getting-a-needs-assessment/

It may take a while for them to do this as a lot of areas have backlogs. Once this is done it will determine whether there's any help available to you.

Wiffy1509

 I had a needs assessment last year but as I'm not wheelchair bound they won't help.

Alex_Alumni

Hello there @Wiffy1509 and a warm welcome to the community this evening  

Thanks for taking the time to reach out with your query, could you tell me what the results of the assessment last year were? Did they make any recommendations at all?

I'm not sure whether any charities might offer electric heaters or radiators, and you'd be welcome to enquire with the Scope Helpline as the team can advise on where best to search for financial help.

If we can help with anything else in the meantime, please just ask.

Alex

Wiffy1509

The only help l offered was a wash and dry toilet even though it was because of the kitchen that l went to them for an assessment. They point blank refused due to me not being wheelchair bound. I really don't know what to do it such a struggle with the kitchen the way it is.

L_Volunteer

It sounds really frustrating that you were only offered a wash and dry toilet even though it was because of the kitchen that you went to them for an assessment @Wiffy1509. Is this something you would feel comfortable appealing this opinion?

If we can do anything to support you further with this, please don't hesitate to let us know. We are here for you and hear that it is a struggle for you with the kitchen the way it is 

Wiffy1509

Hi l would love to appeal the decision, l spoke to a manager at the time but more or less told that l don't tick the boxes for help. If you can help in anyway l would be most grateful 🙏 ❤

Wiffy1509

L_Volunteer l would love to appeal the decision. I spoke to a manager at the time but more or less told that l don't tick the boxes for help. If you can help in anyway l would be most grateful 🙏 ❤

poppy123456

There's some information here on how to challenge the decision. https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/challenging-complaining-social-care-needs-assessment/

You can also have a look on your Local Authorities website and it should give you details on there.