Thanks for the link will certainly look into that

Thanks for the link have sent in to be considered for help.

Hope they can help. Good luck- you certainly deserve some.:)

> Putting someone in a wheelchair because they can't walk will give them mobility but it won't take away the pain and the struggle, that is the same for all aids, a walking stick may help but it won't remove the problem. 

and they will not give anything like normal mobility.  Using a stick will mean your unable to use that hand for something else, your balance is compromised, let alone speed and where you are able to walk.  A wheelchair will limit your access to many places and limit transport choices. 

Pain may be pretty much constant no matter the medication used, or mean either a compromise between pain or being doped to the gills and unable to function.

> The point is not everyone in a wheelchair is in pain or struggling though and many do work. 

but they would still be entitled to DLA for help with their care and mobility.  DLA is not a non workers benefit, it is to help with the added expenses living as a disabled person incurs.
Hence Disability Living Allowance.  This is why where the biggest need is a vehicle (perhaps adapted) that the DLA can be paid to Motability.

> My personal view is that most of your input on this subject hasn't really been relevant!
>

I totally agree, my comments were regarding a point that did not relate the OP at all but something that came up incidentally.

> but they would still be entitled to DLA for help with their care and mobility. 

Indeed they would.

Great post, Rhodach.  This is what I mean about assessing people as they are and seeing what they can do.  You and I both know it is good for people to do as much as possible rather than only looking at them at their worst and setting things at that level.

Too many patients families have started major care needs long before it was necessary then have got fed up by the time they really are needed so they constantly get bounced back into hospital because the family is worn out and can't cope.

My Dad had major breathing problems for the last 8yrs of his life, each morning he would get up have his breakfast and then have a rest whilst everyone else had finished in the bathroom and then he would go in there and start his washing and shaving routine, sitting on the loo for a breather periodically, then he would shout for Mum or me if I was staying to wash his back and fill a basin to put his feet in and wash them, he would be there for at least an hour but allowed to work at his own pace he got there in the end, even when in ITU he wanted to do for himself but was too weak, he would let me or anyone older wash him as he didn't feel happy with the young nurses doing it, I was 41 at the time.