Disabled through the back door

[jammypuddingmonkey]

How unreasonable is it for me to be cross about someone saying that a disabled person is only allowed to use the back door for access, that they shouldn't want to use the front door? It feels a bit like disability discrimination...

This is in the house they live in, not a commercial building, nothing to do with anything regarding making the house accessible either. It's not that a ramp is only to one door, or anything like that.

The front door is nearest to the road. The back door isn't usable alone for the person, because of construction faults with it. The front door is usable independently.

The front door is accessible, but apparently is only to be used in an emergency, not day to day life.

So... The disabled person shouldn't answer the front door, or use it at all, they should only use the back door. It's not access within the house, it's literally that- you shouldn't use the front door, only the back, because you're disabled. Said almost like that, too... Previously said that the person should spend most of their time in the back of the house, too.

I'll add that there's ramps to both doors, both are widened. You have to pass the front door to get to the back door anyway.

Anyone an OT? Is this honestly the official opinion? Disabled only allowed to use the back door? Should stay out the main rooms? Hide away? There were worse comments made... I won't go into it all, too long!

Or is this expecting too much- wanting to use the front door...

This has been said several times to us. But yesterday was said directly- why do you want to use the front door? why?!

When so many other things are taken away by disability, so much independence lost and having to accept that, something small like deciding to use the front door because its easier surely shouldn't be a decision made by anyone other than the person who lives there?

[Triliteral]

I too am confused. From what you have said, your husband can use both doors, but there is a hazard affecting both when the ramp is wet. Is that correct?

It makes no sense that I can see for the OT to suggest at random that the front door should not be used. Was it in response to a discussion you were already having?

It makes no sense that knowing your DH can use both, he would randomly forbid the use of either. It sounds like a misunderstanding from one side or the other. More context is required regarding the way the front door discussion began before it is possible to assess who WBU.

[jammypuddingmonkey]

Honestly, both doors are accessible. Not a question of anything needing to be done to them anymore. The back one isn't perfect, but we don't care anymore, not asking for that.

If we'd sat passively by, my husband would still be housebound. As it is now, we both work and we have a chance to improve our lives. It's fighting, though, all the time, for everything that most people take for granted.

I don't have time or the effort to fight anymore, sooner put the effort into our business tbh. Gives us more choice again.

Just, sometimes, it gets under my skin.

[londonrach]

Depends on context. In my clinic the disabled access is via the back door as the front door has three steps.

[Dawndonnaagain]

COP
You're an OT, it's not meant for you unless you're the OT concerned. I'm well aware of how the service works. Under the circumstances explained by the OP, the OT concerned was being unreasonable, rude and bullying. That is no reflection on the service you are offering.

[COPMyourselfon]

So as I see it OP the ramp will need to be repaired to reach either the front or back door?

In that case just get the OT to recommend the necessary repairs and get on with your life through whichever door your husband chooses!

I have no idea why he would say what he said with no explanation. It seems v odd.

[COPMyourselfon]

Rather aggressive Dawn!

All things being equal a person should be able to use the door they want to. However as an OT I would not support someone uses a front door if it has steep steps and no handrail if the back was level access.

This is not the case in the op situation as would that is more complicated. I just wanted to make it clear that we cannot always give people what they want if needs can be met in a more practical (and yes cheaper) way. That does not mean I should go to the far side of fuck!

[maz210]

If you've clashed with the OT perhaps you could ask for a different one?

Can your husband use the front door as it is? Or is the problem that the back door is already adapted but your husband would rather have the front door adapted instead?

Sorry if I'm being dense but I think I'm still not fully understanding the problem.

I found my OT was very helpful so if she'd asked me the question "Why do you want to use the front door?" I would probably have just replied with the facts/opinions for my preference. It sounds like you were already annoyed with the OT before the conversation started.

[jammypuddingmonkey]

Both doors are widened. Both accessible. Both OK to use, although back one swings outwards and so can't be shut easily when he uses it himself, so he doesn't use it very often.


Ramp goes from drive to front door, dips and joins ramp to back door. So it's the same ramp really, in two parts. The front part had a minor repair, this was fixed by slapping metal on it- it's now a waterside for a wheelchair in the rain. We didn't know they were doing it like that, would have fixed it myself if we'd known...

A new OT came out to see the ramp. He wanted to know why my husband uses the front door. It's irrelevant to the metal ramp repair- it has to be used to access both the front and back.

It's just what he said, the lack of personal choice, when both can be used, why inform someone they shouldn't use something, like that. He'd not been in the house, never met us before. But felt he could tell my husband he can't use the nearest door. The ramp has to be used, to reach both doors.That's not in question, it's his choice.

Just doubting my ability to see it clearly, for what the comment is.

[Dawndonnaagain]

The OT can fuck off to the far side of fuck and then fuck off some more. If the person living in the house chooses to use the front door, that is up to the person. I would be reporting the OT concerned. You are being bullied by the OTs and I would suggest Citizens Advice as your first port of call.

[TheHormonalHooker]

I agree with Penelope too.

The OT's can't make a perfect house. There will be things that the disabled person can't use. No matter how many times you complain it won't change that.

[ThisNameIsBetterThanMyRealOne]

I have to agree with Penelope on this, it seems you don't want advice and help from them as you dismiss what they say, do what you want anyway and complain about them for trying to advise

[PenelopePitstops]

There will have been a reason, did you not ask? Tbh you sound quite unwilling to listen and convinced you are always right.

[COPMyourselfon]

As someone above said we often advise on using a particular door for practical reasons mainly related to safety and increasing independence. For example I may advise using the back door if it is a more direct route to a parked car/garage or footpath for example. On the whole though we work with what the person wants and try and make things as easy as possible within this.

I would say that I have recommended what side of the bed people sleep on. For example if someone has night time issues and frequently needs to get to loo then it can be helpful if they are nearer the door rather than having to get up and mobilise around the bed to get out of the room. Again though this is all about giving options and the person making a choice with all relevant info.

It sounds like you have had a hard time with your OT though. Perhaps you could ask for a different worker?

[jammypuddingmonkey]

I was there when the OT said it, to my husband, at our (front) door. 'Why do you want to use the front door... ' never met that particular OT before.

All the fighting has been done for adaptions, it wasnt about that at all, it's all done. It was about preference of door being taken away.

Front door is easier to use, back door is difficult and can't be used alone. More hazards at the back than at the front (gate etc). No steps. Absolutely no reason other than I presume a power trip.

The side of the bed thing was bizarre, I've since moved the bed and swapped sides. Much better layout now (we didn't listen to the OT anyway).

[Fishwives]

Hang on, am confused. Is it the case that the front door area needs repairs in order for a wheelchair user to use it, but as the back door is actually usable, the OT says to use the back door only and won't justify the front door repairs being paid for because s/he thinks unnecessary?

[TheHormonalHooker]

In our last house, rented MOD married qtr, I could only use the front door. They could not put a ramp to the backdoor. Had they have only been able to have put a ramp at the back door it wouldn't have occurred to me to have been pissed off.

[PenelopePitstops]

There must be a reason why the OT has said this. Is there?

Tbh just use the easiest door.

[ArendelleQueen]

Is the backdoor accessible to the person? If so, I can see why the OT would not agree to adapt both front and back.

[LilacWine7]

OP just saw your last post.

The OT will have advised which side of the bed to sleep based on which side is safer and easier for the patient to get in/out. They will assess this before making a recommendation and should discuss options with the patient. Particularly if they need to fit equipment like a bed-lever (which can't be fitted against a wall but will make getting in and out of bed much easier).

It sounds like you've clashed with this OT and have misunderstood why they said to use one door only. I'm guessing there is a hazard with using the other door that you're not aware of. The OT should have explained it better.

[maz210]

I don't understand. What's the problem with them using the front door i.e. what adaptations do they need to be able to use it? Your post reads as though they are physically capable of using the front door but have been told not to for no reason.

I'm disabled and have been very happy with the help offered me by the OT.

[FishWithABicycle]

If the person with the disability is able to use the front door independently but needs assistance to use the back door then of course they should use the front door!

[jammypuddingmonkey]

It's a house. One wheelchair user. Rented property, HA. The front door apparently is for emergency only, the back door is for everyday use- according to OT, the OT asked why he wanted to use the front door anyway.





I don't understand anymore either, I think I lost the plot years ago. it's crazy though, isn't it, you can't tell someone which door to use?

[LilacWine7]

I'm confused.

Are you saying it was an OT who said this? Did you hear them say it or did the disabled person report back to you that this is what was said? Could they have misunderstood/misheard?

OT is all about promoting independence and personal choice. So if a patient wants to use the front door, the OT will try to make this possible. The only time they may recommend using the back door instead is if there are safety concerns re the front door, especially if they've assessed the patient using the front door and patient is struggling or at risk of falling.
Are you sure there are no hidden hazards with the front door? Eg is it stiff or difficult to open, is there a step down to the street, are there rugs or trip-hazards indoors leading up to it that the patient doesn't wish to move? Is the street very busy or the pavement uneven? (which may present a hazard if patient is trying get straight onto the street with a mobility aid). Does the patient need to leave a mobility aid e.g. walking stick/wheeled-walker near the door which would obstruct other residents or staff who use the front door? Are carers coming in and out regularly and need the front door kept clear of equipment? How many other people live in the house and which door do they use?
Can't really help with this unless you provide more details!