Polio - The Late Effects Reality

Housing

During the interview section of the survey, the Occupational Therapists asked the respondents whether they could examine their living accommo-dation. This was, in part, to ascertain present and future needs, as well as to judge the adaptations that were already in place. Understandably, given the philosophy that has surrounded Poliomyelitis over the years of it being a stable condition, only 56 (25%) had made any adaptations for LEP, see Table 33, right.

Table 33 – Type of Living Accomodation

Although not clearly stated or explored in any part of the survey dealing with the respondents housing needs, problems in this area can be foreseen when looked in conjunction with the progression of LEP that is reported elsewhere.

As can be seen from Table 33, 143 (64%) are living in non-adapted housing stock, which, in some cases, may be non-adaptable as well. In Table 35c, Management Rating % -Mobilising indoors, 113 (50%) respondents state that they are experiencing mild difficulty now compared to 69 (31%) 5 years ago. This can only increase because of the natural ageing process being compounded by the inevitable progression of LEP on a downward spiral.

Therefore, it can be forecast that many of those respondents may well in the future wish to avail themselves of Disabled Person’s Housing Grants. The OT’s reported, from conversations with respondents, the great diversity in the way that these Grants are granted and administered, both in application and interpretation. It is imperative that a scheme which purports to be national, although handled on behalf of Central Government by County and City Councils, is seen to be fair and equitable and without regional or political variation.