PIP Mobility

Flowersmith1

Hello,

I need some help.

How do they really assess the mobility element ?

Are they looking for OT / PT reports, what you say in your personal statements on the claim form or by inviting you in to watch your gait, balance, speed, fatigue levels etc ?

Can someone please enlighten me - it is all so unclear and worrying.

Thank you

Flowersmith1

Thank you for your input. Much appreciated. A combination of everything - it seems.

Such a stressful process.

Sue_Alumni

Good afternoon @Flowersmith1and welcome to the online community.

The short answer is that the health assessor should look at and consider everything you have mentioned. Unfortunately sometimes the assessment is erroneous  because it hasn't been carried out properly  and the decision maker is basing their  decision on a flawed assessment which is essentially  a snap shot of how someone is on one particular day. 

Try and prepare for your health assessment and don't be rushed by the assessor and take your time in replying to their questions. When  replying to a question and try not to give "yes" and "no" answers.  Easier said than done as many people are anxious and just want the whole ordeal over and done with.  

Try not to worry too much.  Your experience will resound with many on the community.

If you'd like to have a look at the rest of the forum, you can find all the latest conversations in our recent discussions category, all the different topics in our categories page, and you can meet and chat with other members over in our virtual coffee lounge too.Let us know if you need a hand with anything, and I hope you enjoy spending time here.  

Keep in touch and let us know how you get on.

Flowersmith1

Thank you for your reassuring words and advice. I will look at all the relevant discussions.

poppy123456

In my opinion, medical evidence isn't needed at all and is not always useful. A medical proffesional doesn't spend any time with you to see how you dress/wash/prepare food/budget/walk or plan a journey. 

Your own personal statements is really all that's needed. A couple of real world examples of exactly what happened the last time you attemped each descriptor that applies to you.

Adding detailed information such as where you were, what exacetly happened, did anyone see it and what the consequences were. You should aim for at least half an A4 side of paper per descriptor that applies.

I completed my review last year and the only medical evidence i sent was a repeat prescription list and an OT report. The rest was my real world examples. From this i had a paper based assessment, with the decision around 6 weeks later.

Flowersmith1

Thank you for your input.

The only descriptor actually observed has been my walking - the OT did not force me to dress, wash, use the toilet etc  - she just took note of how I manage ( aided / unaided )

I will submit the OT assessment ( done by the local Council ) and my prescription list - along with a GP letter, perhaps. My real world statements are clearly the most important element.

It will all require careful thought - stressful.

L_Volunteer

You are welcome @Flowersmith1. Our input is the very least you deserve. 

I can hear you have found it stressful. Is there anything, in particular, that might help this to feel more manageable for you at the moment?

If we can do anything to support you further please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We are all here for you