DLA to PIP

I'm carer and appointee for OH who has cervical/lumbar spondylitis on Buprenorphine (high dose patches) recent diagnosis of Parkinsons and depression (due to Parkinsons and falling) We have received a call in for an face to face is there anything I should be doing to prepare for assessment its late in the day 4pm OH already anxious going somewhere new so will be doing a little reccy any advice of what we should expect gratefully received will they expect him to carry out activities and can we refuse if I think they could cause him harm or pain

Hi

I think the guides give you a very good practical indication of what you can and can't expect when attending for a face to face interview. Problem is, no two people are alike, and no two 'examiners' are alike, so it's very much a case of play it by ear.

Presumably you have presented all the evidence available of OH's issues with health and his medications, and you will have written proof from his consultant and GP to substantiate the issues he faces. Given that his diagnosis of Parkinson's is very recent, he will still be coming to terms with this (as will you) and no one (least of all a Health Professional who has only just met him) will be able to predict what the near or distant future holds.

As far as him doing any activities which might cause him pain or distress DON'T let him do them. He has a health condition which is painful and distressing enough without the powers that be making them worse. No need to be obstructive or offensive, just positive - you are his carer and that's what you are doing - taking care of him. I suppose the best you can do for him is to approach the whole affair in a reasonably confident manner - don't let him see your concern, and maybe that will help to alleviate some of his distress.

I wish you every success.

When I had my DLA to PIP face-to-face I felt almost intimidated into doing what I was asked. I did the first thing that asked even though it was very painful but when they asked me to stand on one leg and then the other (quite severe arthritis in my knees) I simply said "No - it will be far too painful and leave me more crippled than I already am for days to come" - they suddenly changed and became very apologetic and from there on I did what I could and refused when I knew it would hurt.

I do think that, because I said "No" and then justified why, it might have helped.

Outcome was that they increased my allowances so you never know!

Good luck (even though luck should never really come into it)

Thankyou I think its stems from his first EVER face to face in 1994 he tried everything they asked to the point he collapsed when he came out I went back in and asked for a paramedic he was awarded DLA for life so this has come as a shock His Parkinson diagnosis was over 12 months and we had hosp appoints the same week as the PIP form went in we also have another in Jan so will take proof of that with us on Mon, He's such a stubborn proud man who to be honest is still in denial hence the depression

Gordon wrote:

Buddy2011 wrote: Thankyou I think its stems from his first EVER face to face in 1994 he tried everything they asked to the point he collapsed when he came out I went back in and asked for a paramedic he was awarded DLA for life so this has come as a shock His Parkinson diagnosis was over 12 months and we had hosp appoints the same week as the PIP form went in we also have another in Jan so will take proof of that with us on Mon, He's such a stubborn proud man who to be honest is still in denial hence the depression

You may be able to arrange a home assessment but you will need the support of his GP as they will need to write a letter explaining why he cannot attend, sometimes these letters can make the Assessment Provider re-evaluate their Decision that an assessment is actually required,.

Gordon

Thankyou Gordon but the assessment is on Monday I thought we had but unsure so think it may be to late for that. I gave our Drs and his Parkinson Consultant details on the PIP form so we'll see did all that before I found your site