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Chris’s Story

My previous property was on two floors, the bathroom was located upstairs, denying  access to normal bathing facilities. I was restricted to spending all of my time bedbound in the lounge.  Space was very restricted and this was compounded by the need for essential equipment; hospital bed, large hoist, industrial fan, trolley table and airflow mattress pump.  I was in clear view of visitors at all times, which obviously created privacy/dignity issues. In some instances, this deterred visits from family and friends.

Access at this property was a problem causing difficulties with transfers to ambulance.  This resulted in pain/discomfort to me.  A significant additional issue concerned my safety in the event of a fire.

Ownership Options played a major role in dealing with my application to the Scottish Government’s Lift Scheme.  During initial conversations, I was given positive direction regarding who to contact  in respect of my particular housing issues.  OOIS support thereafter was continuous and specifically tailored to suit my needs.   Letters of support were required to back up my application and these were obtained from OOIS, my GP, OT, and Social Worker.  Letters requesting further support were also sent by myself to the First Minister of the Scottish Parliament and my constituency MSP.

Without support from OOIS, it is my belief that I would have remained one of the many unheard voices of the disabled regarding my special housing needs.  OOIS enabled me to find “the right house in the right place”, otherwise I would have remained what I considered to be `a prisoner` at my old address.  I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending OOIS to anyone experiencing similar difficulties re special housing needs.

Since moving to my new property, with the aid of a specially adapted wheelchair to meet my needs, I have now been able to go outdoors and enjoy the every-day pleasure of fresh air and change of scenery.  In addition, I can now access other rooms in the house and have the necessary privacy which other people take for granted, allowing more frequent visits from family and friends.

© 2012 Ownership Options

Ownership Options in Scotland is a registered charity (No. SC027335) and is registered in Scotland as a company limited by guarantee (No. SC180581).