dla for asthma

Replies

By kerry

Re: dla for asthma
Mon 17 Mar 2008 12:58

hi sam,
I cannot understand why youve been refused in the first place.
if i were you i would get all his records of appts and treatment etc from hospitals/GPs/ health centres etc, whichever applies to his care,
also get consultants to write letter of support and any other official who helps care for your boy.

do you have a social worker for your son?
if not maybe you could apply to have one. and you could also get a carers assessment done for what you need in the way of support.
this all helps with dla.
does he miss school? if so, get a record of absenteeism and maybe a supporting letter form head teacher and teacher (if theya re approachable)

you could video him during an attact- i know this seems abit extreme and you may have your mind on other things at the time, but it could make all the difference...
I know of people who have video'd their children for tribunals and theyve never had to show the video, theyve just won the case, cos i think if they know youve videod it then its like they know theyre out of order and give it to you anyway. if you know what i mean!
good luck

kerry

By sam-c-

Re: dla for asthma
Mon 17 Mar 2008 20:12

i kerry,
thanks for your reply.my son used to be under alder hay a few years back.he improved and he was discharged.he has since become worse which has resulted in my gp refered him back to alder hay.his first appointment was in feb,the consultant decreased his steritde inhaler.and because of this my son ended up in hospital last weekdue to him having an asthma attack.with him being new to the inic.i havnt really got the consultant on my side.the school are saying that they are not allowedto write a report on him.my son has missed alot of school last year his attendance was 80% and they year before it was 77%.i have got the proof of that which i sent off.and it wasnt enough.my son has fell behind in school now due to his attendance.i got a print out of all he times he has attended hospital and the times he has been admitted.as for a socialworker i havnt got one.and i have never been told i could have one.so i dont really haveanyone fighting my battle

By kerry

Re: dla for asthma
Tue 18 Mar 2008 16:42

hi sam,
if i were you i would ring soical services disabled children department and tell them you are requesting a social worker to visit you and your son; he needs an assessment of need and as his carer so do you (legal entitlement)
they might say they havent got any spare but you can request a duty SW at least for now.
I dunno about the school not being allowed to write reports- my sons' school write reports when needed.
has he got a statement- i know these are hard to get nowadays and if he dont get dla it wont help but you can request one yourself. (ring special education at council)- agian this is wehre a sw would be useful.
try your local carers support groups- you should have something- most places have- and also education support groups like SNAP (special needs advisory panel)- they are like advocates and can also direct you elsewhere for support.

ive used them and they were good.
they will come to meetings with you too so youre not quite so alone and vulnerable.
maybe you could record meetings too, in note form.
keep a diary of everything- like your sons asthma attacks etc
photo copy everything too and keep copies yourself of anything you send.

there are support systems out there- its just a matter of scrolling around on the net or looking thru your Y pages/phone book.
maybe the CAB could point you in the right direction.

good luck

kerry
PS dont give up.

By marie66

Re: dla for asthma
Tue 18 Mar 2008 21:06

Hi, we had no social worker input ever, until last year!

I called into the social services office and asked to speak to the on duty social worker, told them the problems we were having and asked for assessments of need and Carer assessment to be done!

We got the ball rolling from there and now get some proper help and support from an O.T. as it's mostly equipment we need now and also a D.P. for help with care needs.

marie x

By moonstar

Re: dla for asthma
Wed 19 Mar 2008 21:53

Hi Sam.

My son has brittle asthma but luckily never hospitalised. He takes 3 inhalers and a tablet for his chest every day. I am lucky that we have a good Asthma Clinic attached to my GP surgery and they are very helpful.

I wonder if you have ever contacted Asthma Uk - they have an advice line and also a web site.

Details: www.asthma.org.uk

Adviceline : 08457 010203

They may be able to offer some support in your fight with DLA, or information to help in other ways.

I have just got my son's DLA reinstated after 19 months fight - after appeal tribunal. His is mostly for other problems as they didn't really take into account his asthma as they said he didn't miss enough school because of it!!

Hope the above info is of use to you.

Also agree with Kerry that you should try to get a Social Worker - I've only just been allocated one, but the more people on your side the better. I have worked out (finally) that you have to make a bit of a pain of yourself, because if you don't ask, they don't volunteer.

Take care

By EssexgirlDanni

Re: dla for asthma
Sat 22 Mar 2008 02:59

I have asthma and I also was turned down for carers allowance and at the appeal and tribuneal. I still have no idea how they base there judgements on. Hopefully you will have better luck.

Danni x