Means test for house alterations

[mellonius]

I was told I can't have a grant today for urgent downstairs shower and new access to house for wheelchair. Apparently if in theory your income is high enough to service a bank loan [over what period?] to cover the cost of the works, you are ruled out. This of course totally disregards the fact that no bank would give an elderly man with MND a loan!!!! And no account is taken of actual outgoings. So we are trapped by having too high a pension to qualify for a grant, but too old/ill to get a loan. Anyone else fallen in this trap? M

[magic]

So sorry you are getting such shabby treatment. Why can't they recognise that, when serious disability strikes in our later years, the financial support is even more essential. I was fold that we could take out equity release on our home to pay for the alterations. So mean.

Magic

[Banned]

I am of the view that OUR MNDA should support us through the courts on these financial matters before spending on research. What is your view?

[B20 JOO]

That is just a disgrace. I'm starting down the road with adaptations myself just now - I still work, with a decent income so fear the worst. Any tips welcome!

[pacer1971]

Hello All
I think we could do with an up to date status of our rights and what we can claim for and it should be available on here!!
cheers
Darryl

[miranda]

Check the MND website for a list of information leaflets.

[Trevorhb]

We recently had an assessment from Social Services. As soon as they realise we have more in savings than the permitted £23000 it seems there is little they can offer - unless we pay for it of course. You mention PEG feeding and possible choking episodes and they really get worried, saying their carers are not trained for that and we may need nursing care which is frightfully expensive. It is the old story, I have never claimed for anything and always saved and been careful, now we need help we can have it if we pay for it. The people who have not been so careful and have little savings get all the help with no questions. It is so unfair.

[john]

Trevor,
There comes a point when you become entitled to NHs continuing care. If this is awarded then you get all your care paid for. It is again an assessment primarily if your needs are personal care or health care. Well worth pursuing and no means testing of any kind.
John

[Trevorhb]

Thanks John, how do we apply?

[Terry]

Might be best to ask your hospice if they are nice and helpful Trevor.

[Alig2014]

Trevor your doctor, district nurse etc can put you in for continuing healthcare. You are then assessed but if for some reason you are refused now you can put in for it again as things progress.

Alison x

[john]

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/Pages/nhs-continuing-care.aspx

Trevor this is the NHs information on the benefit. The third heading explains how you get the benefit. You apply to your GP or as Allison says through your District Nurse. If they refuse you can appeal and when payment is eventually agreed ( which it inevitably will be with a progress illness like mnd) then you should get the benefit backdated to the time of your first request. The NHs seem reluctant to pay out but ultimately persistence will pay off.

John

[Springtime]

John, Terry, Pete, Alison and many more (so apologies to those I have not named) that come on here with such informative posts, a big THANK YOU to all of you. I for one John has no clue of this continuing healthcare. Also decent of you to point out that persistence is the way forward.
Personally for us Jim is nowhere near this stage of needing care, however many on here will be extremely enlightened after reading this thread. x

[Ciaramcmc]

Applied for grant to build bedroom and wet room for Joe. Got phone call on Tuesday to say we are entitled to zero! Cost for extension over 20K. Find it hard to swallow that we both pay our taxes yet are entitled to nothing when we need it most. I teach and Joe worked for the council for 33 years. We were never great at saving for a rainy day!! Don't have the energy to be mad about this.
CiaraX

[willsandco]

Ciara, approach MNDA for advice. They are a fount of information and guidance. Hope you can get some help with it. Love Joycie xx