Can my friend with CP receive any support regarding housing? — Scope | Disability forum
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Can my friend with CP receive any support regarding housing?

Samsz
Samsz Community member Posts: 8 Listener
Hi,
I'm emailing regarding my friend who has cerebal palsy. He is in his 50's and still lives with his parents. 
He has had a chauffeur business for years now.
His parents are elderly now and have always been very strict with him - They say he has to go to his room very early, don't allow him anyone over, he has a tiny bedroom which makes it difficult for him when there is a bigger one available.
I always try to encourage him to make a move to his own place, but it's a confidence thing, but he is now starting to realize that he has to get out.
So my question is does anyone know if he would receive any support regarding housing? He cannot afford to buy. He would need a home suitable to his needs....
He lives in Watford and would ideally like to stay in that area.

Any advice would really be appreciated.
Many thanks, Sam

Comments

  • thespiceman
    thespiceman Community member Posts: 6,388 Disability Gamechanger
    Hello @Samsz   Pleased to meet you welcome.

    Thank you for joining and also sharing. Sorry to hear this about your friend.

    I would advise speak to your Council concerned.  They would be with getting in touch with.  Have a housing officer.

    Have a look at our information on Housing and Independent Living.

    You will find information and advice from our community members.

    Also speak to CAB for any further advice.

    We have an information officer on CP @Richard_Scope .

    I have given his name he will be in touch to advise further and could give you a lot of support, I hope that helps.

    We are a supportive, friendly community. Care and share.

    Please ask if we can advise on anything. Some one will know.

    Pleasure to help you.

    Take care

    @thespiceman
    Community Champion
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  • Richard_Scope
    Richard_Scope Posts: 3,638 Scope online community team
    Hi @Samsz
    Welcome to our community.

    I'm sorry to read about your friend and that he is in what sounds like an unhappy situation.
    I would agree with the information that @thespiceman has given and also speak with the Adult Social Care team of the local council.

    Keep us updated.

    Scope
    Specialist Information Officer and Cerebral Palsy Programme Lead

    'Concerned about another member's safety or wellbeing? Flag your concerns with us.

    Want to tell us about your experience in the community? Talk to our chatbot and let us know. 
  • Sam_Alumni
    Sam_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,671 Disability Gamechanger
    @Jean_Scope can you offer any other thoughts?
    Scope
    Senior online community officer
  • Jean_OT
    Jean_OT Community member Posts: 513 Pioneering
    Hi @SamsZ

    Thanks to Sam_Scope for inviting me to join this conversation.

    I agree that your friend should start by talking to the Housing Options Officer at his local council housing office. They will talk through his circumstances and advise if his needs/circumstances are such that he would be eligible for  council or social housing. Even if he is, he might have an extremely long wait for a property, as if it is deemed that he is currently 'suitably and safely housed' he will be a low priority for rehousing. Obviously, if his parents required him to leave their home or the way he is being treated amount to abuse then his priority would increase.

    Other than council/social housing the only other thing that might be available is privately rented. Depending on his income and other circumstances he might get some assistance with the cost of the rent (Housing benefit/Universal Credit) the Scope Benefit Calculator would give an indication if he has any entitlement: https://www.scope.org.uk/support/disabled-people/benefits/check

    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

  • Samsz
    Samsz Community member Posts: 8 Listener
    Hi, Thanks you all for your advice - I will ring the council tomorrow for him.
    Can you get private rented accommodation that is equipped for people with disabilities that have 24/7 wardens - like you get for the elderly? 
    I just want to cover  all the options available to him.
    This is a great site - thank again for your help, Sam
  • Jean_OT
    Jean_OT Community member Posts: 513 Pioneering
    Probably not feasible in your friends circumstances. Private rented supported living does exist but it is aimed at the over 55 years age group and is more expensive than most people can afford unless they have a substantial private income from having sold their former home etc

    It is more likely that he would need to arrange to become a tenant of a private landlord or social housing provider. Adapt the property if necessary (perhaps with the assistance of a Disabled Facilities Grant) and be assessed by the Adult Social Care Team from the local authority to see if they were willing to provide/fund any care

    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

  • Samsz
    Samsz Community member Posts: 8 Listener
    Hi Jean,

    Sorry for the delay in replying.
    I have passed on everyones advice to my friend and he is ringing the council himself for advice.
    He is 55 but not in a great financial position....

    Thank you for taking the time to reply, Sam
  • Richard_Scope
    Richard_Scope Posts: 3,638 Scope online community team
    Hi @Samsz
    Thanks for the update. Please keep in touch and let us know if we can help further.

    Scope
    Specialist Information Officer and Cerebral Palsy Programme Lead

    'Concerned about another member's safety or wellbeing? Flag your concerns with us.

    Want to tell us about your experience in the community? Talk to our chatbot and let us know. 

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