Report reveals people with arthritis are missing out on vital support in their homes

 People with arthritis are missing out on aids and adaptations they are entitled to from local authorities, putting their independence and safety at risk and placing an unnecessary financial burden on families, warns a new report from Arthritis Research UK. The charity, which champions the needs of the 17.8m people in the UK with arthritis and related conditions, says 8 in 10 people with arthritis (84%) eligible for support, are missing out on life-changing equipment. This could lead to a need for more intensive and expensive care, which is putting extra strain on the social care system.Aids and adaptations, such as grab rails, raised toilet seats or non-slip shower mats, help people with arthritis and related conditions lead more independent lives and may reduce the risk of them needing more formal care or even A&E services. Almost everyone with arthritis that the charity surveyed (95%) who currently uses aids and adaptations, said they improved their quality of life. Despite the positive impact, almost a fifth of those eligible are not using aids or adaptations at all.Although local authorities have a duty to make aids and adaptations available, more than half of survey respondents with arthritis and eligible for support are buying equipment themselves, missing out on their entitlement. The average cost of an aid in the charity’s study was£200.The report argues that too many people are unaware of their rights because councils are not providing adequate ...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news