Social housing, medical needs

[Floxx]

Hello all,
I am having a rough time. I am looking for some hope.

I have submitted an application to my local council for social housing for medical needs.
Unfortunately last year I suffered a severe adverse reaction to prescription medication and it has sadly left me wheelchair bound, I also suffer from several other medical problems, both physical and mental. I have lost both my career and now today my driving licence was revoked on medical grounds.

Currently live in a one bed ground floor flat, which private rent with my son, he sleeps in the bedroom. I am asking the council to be moved into a two bed ground floor property.

Unfortunately, the council are taking a long time looking at my forms.

My questions are...is there any hope of me actually being rehomed?

Will they force me into a high rise flat with a lift? These seem to be the only properties available on the list at the moment. Sadly I cannot walk up stairs or further than 20 metres. I am dubious about going into a high rise as if there is a fire I will not be able to get out.

Thanks in advance for your help.

It's unlikely they'll expect you to go in a high rise. If you're in a wheelchair they'll be looking at ground floor or bungalows.

Most areas have very little adapted or wheelchair friendly properties so you might have to wait for a while. Pretty much everyone ends up waiting ages sadly. I've been on my housing list 5 years for example and very likely will be on it another 5 years until I get something here.

The housing people will assess your needs based on the info you provide and give you a housing band. ABC or D. A is most in need, D is lowest priority.

You then bid weekly on homes on homechoice. The housing officer or housing association then contact you if you are the highest priority applicant bidding on in.

Just want to add, I may be waiting 10 years as I'm I cornwall and I'm a band C. If your home is not suitable for your medical needs you'll have a higher priority and hopefully a shorter wait.

Is your current home suitable for wheelchair use? And is the reason for needing housing medical or is it because you are crowded due to only 1 bedroom.

In our area you wouldn't be put in high rise because the idea is that in a fire you use the stairs to get out. You would be house in bungalow or ground floor property but there is a huge demand and limited supply so until someone moves out/dies and you're top of the list it's a long wait I'm afraid.

I know it seems medical needs might bump you up but such a huge proportion on the waiting list have similar needs so it would be years rather than months

Thanks for your replies.
I have submitted a form due to medical needs.
I am in a ground floor flat, but it has a communal door which is heavy, and not power assisted. Some days I cannot open it and have to ask a neighbour.

I have contacted Adult social services in my area. They are sending an occupational therapist to come out and assess my housing and make recommendations.

Thanks for putting my mind at rest about the high rise.

Yes, there are so many other people with needs similar to mine. I will just wait and see what happens.

Thanks again

Brilliant, best of luck and I hope you're in a suitable place ASAP