To think we are just as entitled to this help as 'older' people?

[Edenviolet]

We have four dcs all with significant health issues. I do not drive and we struggle to get them to the numerous and frequent hospital appts and they also have a lot of illnesses so need to see the gp a lot.

This has meant dh taking far too much time off and when he can't it costs a fortune in taxi fares.

Our gp surgery runs a transport scheme for gp and hosp appts. I phoned today as we really need the help. The woman I spoke to was decidedly off and said the service is really meant for older people, and how had I been getting to appts till now why couldn't I do that. She was very sharp in her manner and quite dismissive. Then she said I had to see the dr to get approved and that they might not and if they do there was no guarantee she would be able to find a driver when I needed one.

I phoned back to make the gp appt and suddenly heard my name in the background- the woman I'd just spoken to was talking about me and dcs to another person and it didn't sound complimentary! The receptionist I was speaking to suddenly realised, put the call on hold then came back on and said , oh I'm really sorry about that.

It has made me feel like rubbish

[Edenviolet]

My dad used to help me loads with all appointments .

[CouthyMow]

Hah ha ha hah most definitely. Plus my DLA am awaiting the tribunal for a been waiting for six months now.

[theywillgrowup]

but op the dla is for transport etc it shouldnt be used in the terms of "one pot"

sorry but im assuming if their are 4dc's that are very ill and yourself are there more than one on DLA (none of my buissness i know) then there should be money for taxis etc

down here dla mobility entitles the claimant to a free bus fares and taxi tokens as well as their mobility payment and some are still wanting more,im sorry but patient transport should be for those on basic pension,is,esa low income etc

i know what ive said wont be popular but you did ask the ??

[CouthyMow]

Because epilepsy and arthritis are short-term conditions that are going to disappear at the stroke of a pen, aren't they?!

[BobPatSamandIgglePiggle]

Sorry, don't know your situation - whether your dad is still able but could he help / drive DH car? Any friends?

[MoominsYonisAreScary]

Are people really so clueless, fucking hell

[Bathsheba]

What do PALS at the Hospital say..?

My Mum does voluntary transport for the RVS (used to be the WRVS) but thats not free - it has to be paid at 45p a mile.

Its also a big commitment for her - she is 73 and she has committed to 1 trip per fortnight as it really takes a lot out of her. She also would be unlikely to be able to take a family in your position as she just has a little car. It may indeed be the case that the voluntary system honestly doesn;t have anyone with a suitable car for an adult and up to 3 children a number of times a week.

[hazeyjane]

I can't believe that people are nitpicking over whether a transport service should be able to help people like Hedgehog, and where her dc's DLA is spent!

[Tullahulla]

Dickhead eh?

No clue?

Just been appealing Dhs DLA and been turned down.

But it's ok, he's only had leukaemia, a transplant and can quite clearly manage to get to hospital appointments on his own.

But yeah, no clue and apparently a dickhead.

You don't live on benefit street do you owllady?

[YouLoveItDoreen]

Hedge it may be worth enquiring with the people at Motability to see if they would fund your driving lessons, it is how I learnt to drive. Was your husband's car a recent purchase? If there isn't long left on the loan, then once that is paid for you may be able to get a Motability car so you can take the kids to the appointments and your DH can have his for work. Are you claiming absolutely everything you are entitled to?

[Edenviolet]

Dla has to cover so much for dcs, there just isn't enough for every expense caused by their disabilities.

I don't think people understand. I really don't know how to make you realise short of posting my exact income and all the expenses we have.

[CouthyMow]

I get the option of A free bus passOR just 12 taxi tokens a year to cover travel to and from 117 appointments. That works when can't even get on the bus

[candycoatedwaterdrops]

Apologies, I didn't realise the car wasn't a motability. I know only too well that DLA rarely covers the full cost of living with a disability. You really need to get some social services input.

[candycoatedwaterdrops]

Are you in London btw? Are your kids eligible for the taxicard scheme? What about dial-a-ride, not sure if they offer help for kids...?

[Edenviolet]

My dad moved 200 miles away a couple of years ago when he got cancer so never even see him now, he used to take dcs to every single appt for me.

Every month he would phone me and write down all the dates and times of their appts. His help was invaluable.

[Bathsheba]

Ehm - just as an aside - many of us do not have experience of living on or applying for DLA etc for a nimber of family members - that neither makes us clueless or dickheads. I would say that probably with the number of issues that Hedgehogs has, her cause is a very rare one - people ARE empathising.

Hedgehogs has been offered a number of suggestions - again, not by people who are clueless or dickheads.

[Edenviolet]

Have taxi cards for three of the four.

Only got 24 trips each and all already gone on appts, hence my problems. Used to be 108 trips a year but they changed it.

[Owllady]

Honestly there is not money for taxis
I am in a different situation to hedgehogs as I do actually have a motobility car BUT the appointments are miles away, frequent, parking is expensive as is fuel. Washing, drying. Repairs to broken house, New mattress, New this (even if off eBay) etc etc
ALL ADDS UP
£12 a time in costs to park at one hospital we go to
It takes hours and hours and hours
No family

Have Any of you who think Dla covers this, actually lived it?

Dla is a great benefit and people are grateful fir it, but to think it covers even the basics is pushing it somewhat

[CouthyMow]

Even been told by the NHS to privately fund PS3's speech therapy

LOL at being able to fund that through DLA as well as his food and travel when DLA is only 263 month. NHS can't offer him the level of appointments he should have.

[Tullahulla]

Yeah I'm one of the dickheads who has lived it!

[candycoatedwaterdrops]

24 trips each? Holy fuck, that's nothing!

[Owllady]

We are not a family who 'lives off benefits' no?
I do claim dla or my daughter, yes.

[theywillgrowup]

dont they do free parking if tax exempt

they do at our hospital

poor show if not

[Owllady]

24 trips A YEAR?

[Tullahulla]

And also, who has to live it with no help from DLA, one wage coming in, time off for Dhs appointments, additional living costs, month long hospital stays, fuel costs not to mention being the only parents at home and having to deal with it all.


But yep, that's me a proper dickhead, with no clue.

Fuming!