PIP Review form

Thanks, yes they do have an online system at the GPs but at present it only shows brief details of medications, there is a box you can tick if you wish to have access in future to other information, but not at present. It seems they may be at different stages with this, I have heard from someone who even has a system where they can update the GP themselves via such a system.

In terms of this review, another thing i am unsure about is whether to update on the form with a change to mobility- it would just mean i may qualify for the lower rate but not sure if it would mean they would need to visit me for evidence of it, or not. In the past they have done a home visit, commented on the form it caused stress and would need support in future, and done the next one on paper. Do you think a mobility change would result in a visit? As if so I might just not mention it. I really do get that stressed for the visits and makes MH worse.

It would be a physical cause for the mobility, have a hernia diagnosed and post-operative problems, but not directly affecting the legs, do they consider things like that for mobility or does it have to be for example affecting the hips or knees?

They have already given me 4 points for planning and following a journey due to MH, so being able to walk between 50-200m would give another 4 points for this section. It is true to say sometimes in the day cannot walk at all as need to rest but at other times that would be a true reflection of my walking. But is it worth the stress of them watching me etc. Also not sure if have much evidence in terms of doctors notes about mobility, except my surgeon mentions the pain / discomfort.

I think I may stick to describing difficulties with the Care side of it and leave that.

Something I'm struggling with a bit is that the Appeals have given me higher descriptors than i expected in two areas: Requiring supervision and assistance with preparing food, and Requiring support with socialisng. I had said how i am affected last time in my paper appeal and I felt I needed Prompting with these, (which had been given in the past). This might be tricky and concerned when it is checked they might change it back again!

It is complicated, as basically have a severe abdominal problem which means I need to follow a restricted diet and blend some foods, or could end up in hospital on a drip, NG tube and monitored with CT scans and X-rays, a situation me and the consultants are keen to avoid- it also has no cure and surgery makes it worse. With my mental health therefore do need support with this as have ended up neglecting it in the past and also with the equipment etc, so can see why they chose the one they did.

Also with the socialising that is true as well, (have psychotic MH condition which worsens with pain and family understand it and support me). I'm just not too sure how to explain as obviously don;t have the Appeals paperwork as to how they came to these decisions..feel may need to explain as I guess that would also mean DWP would also not have such paperwork, although they do have the decision notice (after they 'lost' it and I had to send them a copy).

i wonder whether it is necessary to spell all this out to them. Also I heard it was meant to be someone trained in supporting people, like a support worker. I wonder whether to explain my husband understands it as he has been to many of my meetings with the surgeons and psych? It does mention him in the letters so they will see that i suppose.

Also, the request in the new form to not send things older than 2 years, whereas I thought it was best to send them everything? I have letters which are older but may be useful, not sure whether to send them as well or not, or whether it will go against me.

Just another thought, is that everyone is entitled to have a care needs assessment done, by social services.. This could then, also be used as evidence as a care plan.

Just adding to this that my GP did a care plan with me, it is one based on helping patients who are vulnerable I think, and who need support due to a range of things, and is aimed at keeping them out of hospital. It was the GP suggested it to me and now the consultants have one on file in case of needing admitted, it has things like advance directives on it and it includes how you want to manage things and who supports you etc. i think if you google GP care plan emergency admissions it may come up with it.