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needing someone with you whilst out
- Thenotsocrazycatlady
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3 years 11 months ago #259617 by Thenotsocrazycatlady
needing someone with you whilst out was created by Thenotsocrazycatlady
I have a number of disabilities and health issues, one of which is severe menieres disease. when I have a menieres attack I am unable to move at all or open my eyes as I have severe vertigo which makes me fall to the ground, vomit and mess myself this can last hours and I have to either lie where I've landed for several hours or be carried to safety. consequently I do not go unless I have to and when I do, I do not go out alone. My husband goes with me everywhere. I know that the criteria has changed regarding following and planning a journey and wonder if I would qualify under this descriptor. I have in the past questioned this on three occasions but was told that I did not need anyone with me and was only having someone with me for my own reassurance and that didn't count, which whilst it's obviously true that I need the reassurance of somebody with me it doesn't take in to account the significant help that I require whilst out, if I feel an attack coming on I need someone to get me home quickly as I would not be able to get home by myself. are they correct? or would it be worth asking again? Any views on this would be appreciated thank you.
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- Catherine
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3 years 11 months ago #259638 by Catherine
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Catherine on topic needing someone with you whilst out
Hello Deborah,
First of all welcome to the site and the forum. You may not be aware, but what appears to be your full name is showing. If you would like to change this there are instructions here.
My full name is showing, how can I stop it.
If you have not yet had a good explore around the site this is a good place to start.
Welcome to Benefits and Work
You will find all sorts of information about PIP in the first link on this page
PIP resources
But to address your question specifically in the PIP world to be judged capable of doing of something you need to be able to do it ‘reliably’. This has a legal definition and means that you can do it
• Safely – in a fashion that is unlikely to cause harm to themselves or to another person.
• To a necessary and appropriate standard – given the nature of the activity.
• Repeatedly – as often as is reasonably required.
• In a timely manner – in a reasonable time period.
(Timely is generally taken to mean no more than double the length of time it would take someone who had no particular difficulties.)
As I read your post my first thought was would you be safe going out without support. What happens if you start to fall at the top of stairs or near a kerb? What would happen if the weather was wet or cold? Whilst simply needing reassurance is arguably not a point winning argument, is it the case if you had an attack without someone to care for you, you would suffer overwhelming psychological distress? I also think that the fact that in reality your husband always accompanies you says a lot about your need for help.
If you say yes to any of those, then I certainly think it is worth asking again! If you do make a submission along those lines ask your husband if he will also write a supporting letter to explain what he does for you and what he believes the consequences would be (to you and other people) if he was not there to help.
I hope this helps, and please do come back to us if you have any other questions
Catherine
First of all welcome to the site and the forum. You may not be aware, but what appears to be your full name is showing. If you would like to change this there are instructions here.
My full name is showing, how can I stop it.
If you have not yet had a good explore around the site this is a good place to start.
Welcome to Benefits and Work
You will find all sorts of information about PIP in the first link on this page
PIP resources
But to address your question specifically in the PIP world to be judged capable of doing of something you need to be able to do it ‘reliably’. This has a legal definition and means that you can do it
• Safely – in a fashion that is unlikely to cause harm to themselves or to another person.
• To a necessary and appropriate standard – given the nature of the activity.
• Repeatedly – as often as is reasonably required.
• In a timely manner – in a reasonable time period.
(Timely is generally taken to mean no more than double the length of time it would take someone who had no particular difficulties.)
As I read your post my first thought was would you be safe going out without support. What happens if you start to fall at the top of stairs or near a kerb? What would happen if the weather was wet or cold? Whilst simply needing reassurance is arguably not a point winning argument, is it the case if you had an attack without someone to care for you, you would suffer overwhelming psychological distress? I also think that the fact that in reality your husband always accompanies you says a lot about your need for help.
If you say yes to any of those, then I certainly think it is worth asking again! If you do make a submission along those lines ask your husband if he will also write a supporting letter to explain what he does for you and what he believes the consequences would be (to you and other people) if he was not there to help.
I hope this helps, and please do come back to us if you have any other questions
Catherine
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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