Through Floor Lift - funding??

[GeoffBeale]

I have been advised by the OTs that because I'm permanently in a powerchair I really need a through floor lift, as it will get progressively more difficult to move between floors using our stairlift. Moving my bed into the single downstairs living room is not an option especially as the shower is upstairs.

This morning I have been advised that I am not entitled to a Disability Facilities Grant - apparently I am too rich!

I am 80 and my wife is 75. We receive state pensions and I also get a pension from my former employer, and have modest savings of £10,000. That's it. We live reasonably comfortably but have to save for things we want. We are by no means rich.

However the advice I received today is that on those figures I would be obliged to fund up to £115,000 of any adaptations.

Naturally we are bitterly disappointed and feel that this is very unfair. Yes, we probably could fund the lift by ourselves, but it would take every penny we have. I feel obliged to avoid this because it would leave my wife nothing when I'm gone.

Can anyone offer any advice on how we can find funding to help pay for this essential adaptation?

[Bowler]

Geoff, have you tried contacting the benefits team of the MNDA just to check you’re not being fed a bit of bull from the OT etc.

If it is the case you need to fund yourself then it is possible the association might provide a grant of up to £1.5k for one item. The application would need to be completed by the OT. Again the help line will be able to advise

[GeoffBeale]

Thanks Bowler. I have emailed MNDA Connect and awaiting an answer. Can't phone - deaf as a brick. Thanks for your response.

[Ellie]

GeoffBeale Also, consider a second-hand lift which can save you a good amount of money.

Re the grant, this is from the MNDA website:

MND Support Grant (Care) up to a maximum of £1500 per application. Predominantly equipment or adaptations requiring a professional assessment.

An MND Support Grant (Care) must be accompanied by an assessment from the relevant Health or Social Care Professional. The person receiving the grant will be informed who has provided the funding (Branch or Group/ Support Services /shared).

Examples of funding would be contributions towards:
· Adaptations to property
· Stairlift rental/purchase
· Washer dryer toilet
· Respite care costs
· Riser recliner armchair

Included in support grant limit of up to £3000 in a rolling 12-month period.

[Hope]

I am in the same position. My savings make me ineligible for a DFG. I need to adapt my bathroom and get a through floor lift. My mobility is failing and I need to do these adaptations soon. They will cut into my savings significantly and I worry about how I will pay for any further help I need. I live alone and have no current income other than PIP and ESA.

[GeoffBeale]

It doesn't seem right does it Hope? Save a little bit for a rainy day and get penalised. Spend it all on beer, smokes and ink and you seem to get anything you want. It's a crazy world.

[GeoffBeale]

GeoffBeale [FONT=Verdana]Also, consider a second-hand lift which can save you a good amount of money.

Yes, Ellie I have seen many on offer and am now seriously considering one, but condition is something I would have to take on trust, then there's the installation to consider. So not so sure.....

[Hope]

It doesn't seem right does it Hope? Save a little bit for a rainy day and get penalised. Spend it all on beer, smokes and ink and you seem to get anything you want. It's a crazy world.

GeoffBeale exactly! I saved so hard and now wish I had just spent all my money.