To apply for Disabled Facilities Grant?

[MammaKel]

Hi All,

I have a three year old son whose the size of a 5 year old. He had a rare genetic condition and autism.

He can't walk at the moment, he also has hypermobility and we're expecting him to walk but it could be anytime, his paediatrician expects it to be after he's five. We don't know the cause of his non walking whether it be the genetic condition or due to sensory issues.

He's very heavy and refuses to go upstairs, we have to carry him up which is extremely difficult.

My property is mortgaged, and I was wondering if I could contact the council to see if we could have a downstairs extension built so he could have a bedroom downstairs. I just don't know if we'd be eligible, he does have a wheelchair at the moment but again he could walk anytime (we've been told this for years).

We were going to look at getting a stair lift but our stairs aren't suitable (new build small narrow stairs).

I just don't know if it's worth asking as I don't want to waste anyone's time and thought I'd ask here for someone more knowledgeable to maybe help.

Or if anyone has any advice on how to get him upstairs a bit easier.

Thank you for reading and advising.

No harm in asking for an assesment op, each LA has different qualifying criteria and budgets set so get the LA OT to visit and go through your child's needs, they sometimes look to convert ground floor rooms to fit inside the budget but it depends son the property.

Before you apply get support from your son's specialists and OTs who can help you frame the application correctly. Depending on your income you may need to make a contribution.

I would start the process of applying, if he can't physically get up the stairs then you should be eligible for some support, there's lots of rules and guidelines but no harm in asking and it's likely to take a while anyway. He'll probably need medical reports saying he can't walk so I would get it clarified on if/when that's likely to be

I think you need to contact more stair lift companies. My aunt had a stairlift and her stairs were very narrow and steep in an old cottage. It was removed extremely quickly by the company when it was no longer needed. It was a few years ago I don’t know the company but it would be in the south west/wales area. I feel there must be something out there and as a stairlift could be fitted very quickly whereas an extension months years sometimes.
Just a thought as stairlifts are on the whole for the elderly etc, why not try age concern for recommendations

Yes, it's well worth exploring this. In my experience more are successful than not.

Contact your local council, they will help you talk though different options. Every council will have a different criteria and way of working but will have specialist children’s occupational therapy who will be able to advise you

You can get stairlifts for narrow stairs; they fold back when not being used. My grandparents had one.

I suspect that's what any assessor will say as a first stop. Have you contact with any charities that can help you work out the best things for you, and help to apply as often these things are about knowing what to say?

Contact the children's occupational therapy department of your local council and make a self referral. They should be able to come out and help you with any adaptions required/may assist you and let you know about the DFG. They can also provide equipment to help around the home.

Try to get some supporting documents from GP, specialists, etc

Apply - no harm in that

I don't know-how it works with mortgaged properties as I live in a housing association house ,my son had to have an OT assessment for adaptions.

I'm assuming you know this but just in case you don't as your child is three and can't walk at all he should automatically qualify for HRM DLA.

I received one last year to have my garden redone as it wasn’t safe for autistic DD. They also made some adjustments to my bathroom. I would start the process now though as it takes quite a while for the money to be approved, allocated and for the work to actually start. Good luck!

Thank you for everyone's advice.

I've spoken to the council and social services and I have a form to fill out to get the ball rolling.

I'm grateful for any help we may get so thank you everyone.

In regards to the lovely poster who mentioned DLA, we applied for it but they rejected it and said they recognise he can't walk but they don't deem it severe enough to award him so we're currently going through an MR.

Please be aware facilities grants for changes to property usually mean the council will put a charge on your property so they get repaid if you move within x years - you need to be clear that this is something you are ok with so worth clarifying the LA policy on this.

As many have said there is a stairlift for virtually any type of staircase - granted bespoke is more expensive, but much cheaper than an extension and also much less disruption to your home.

Hope you get the help you need

@Aligirlbear there isn't a stair lift for every type of stairs. Sometimes a lift up into the ceiling has to be constructed.
@MammaKel you'll get your DLA award once he reaches the age were most children won't need the help he does. That's what they go off, re mobility. The cut off point for adaptations in my LA is £8k of savings. You'll be given all of the facts on assessment. The waiting time in my LA is around eight months for quite urgent and 12-24 for everyone else. They do operate on a needs basis.

Three is the age when you can apply for HRM ,so I don't understand why they haven't awarded, it ,just point out that he is unable to walk at all ,send in physio reports etc.