Social care bosses in Birmingham Council have faced harsh accusations of cutting back on investment in important adaptations to vulnerable, elderly and disabled people’s properties.
Opposition Labour councillers have claimed that a new policy adopted by Birmingham City Cabinet implies that far more folks will probably be refused modifications to their properties, including walk-in showers, stairlifts or downstairs toilets.
Coun Barbara Dring said she was horrified to hear tales of how a 74-year-old resident in the early stages of Alzeihmer’s Disease, Mrs Butler, did not qualify for a shower installation despite suffering numerous falls at property. She said “I have been told that, due to a policy agreed by the cabinet, this lady’s hygiene requirements are considered to be met because she has skilled carers”.
The elderly lady’s husband said the carers refused to lift her in and out of the bath due to the fact of health and safety concerns. He said “she has not had a bath for months. It really is undignified and also takes the carers a long time. Having a walk-in shower, I could aid her”.
The council has recognised the likelihood of Mrs Butler falling, and fitted a stairlift. Coun Dring said that “I raised the shower on their behalf but was told in a letter that, under a policy agreed by the cabinet, those with professional carers do not get a walk-in shower.
“This really is an outrage. These are the individuals we should be trying to help. This seems to me like a lot more council cutbacks” said Coun Dring.
Birmingham City Council said adaptations to homes ought to be done on a priority basis and denied any cutbacks.
“In line with national guidance, everyone who requests an adaptation to their home ought to first be assessed by an occupational therapist.
“The occupational therapist will then make recommendations, the findings of which will be interpreted based on priority.
“Individuals classed as having a higher want will likely be given priority.”
Disabled Facilities Grants are available from most local councils to help pay for modification to a property including fitting a stairlift, a downstairs toilet or a walk-in shower.
While these grants are available to all elderly and disabled folks, grants are awarded on a priority basis and if your local council are strapped for cash this year, it could be elderly local residents whose hygiene is suffering as a result. Some councils supply to not simply contribute towards the modifications, but additionally carry out the function. In these times of financial hardship it’s hardly surprising that councils are looking to reduce their expenses.
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