Adaptations Diary - October 2004

October 2004 - Securing the funding

In August 2004, a means tested financial assessment was carried out by Mole Valley District Council. It decided that Ben and Debby Baskaran had to contribute about £70,000 towards the adaptation of their home before they would receive a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG), in effect meaning they were entitled to no financial help.

However, Surrey County Council (SCC) Adults & Community Care is now set to provide funding of approximately £70,000 for the major adaptations the Baskaran house needs in order to make life easier for Oliver and Jamie.

How funding was agreed

Major adaptations are usually funded through a DFG but adaptations for children can rarely be funded through this grant as it is means tested, taking into account capital and investment such as property and income. As Ben and Debby Baskaran own their property and they both work, their contribution was assessed and they were not eligible for a grant.

Their DFG application was supported, but the financial assessment was that the parents had to contribute £70,000 before the DFG funding kicked in.

As with many other parents who have found themselves in the same situation, Debby and Ben Baskaran were prepared for the rejection but left wondering how they could pay for the adaptations. After some inspired advice from their occupational therapist they went to SCC Adults & Community Care for help with the funding.

The Social Services financial assessment is fairer and takes into account income and child benefit but also takes into account their high level of outgoings, including an adapted lease car and disability equipment. Further allowances are disregarded for the cost of dependents (four children), married allowance and a family premium. All told, this bought their contribution as calculated by Benefits and Charging to nil.

Their case was presented at the Major Adaptations Best Practice Funding panel (Top Up), consisting of three Assistant Operations Managers (AOMs), where it was agreed to fund the property adaptation in order to allow the boys to remain living at home.

Ben Baskaran commented: "When we started down the road of planning works to be done we were aware of the problems we would face. This was based on other families' experiences and although we weren't confident we felt it was important to start the process. After the initial rejection we spoke with our OT who devised this novel and simple solution. As a family we are delighted that we have been helped in this way."

The process

The Top Up panel felt the cost of the adaptation, whilst a considerable sum, was weighted favorably against costs of residential placement and the costs that go with that - possibly up to £200,000 per year for both children through their childhood, teens and even more into their adulthood.

It was felt unfeasible for the Baskaran family to be forced to move, due to both school and employment commitments that they have in the area. Due to house prices, a move to a large enough property within Surrey would also not be an option. The panel considered and tested the occupational therapist's care plan for evidence of best practice, best value and long term cost benefits.

The plans were looked at with the parents and a surveyor, to make sure that all the works were essential for the boys' needs, and to keep costs to a minimum. It was felt that separate rooms for the boys were essential as they are affected by their diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in different ways, and if one or the other’s health deteriorates, it would not be appropriate for them to be sharing a room.

Current situation

Ben and Debby are thrilled with the fact SCC Adults & Community Care has provided funding that enables them to stay as a family unit. They wish to care for their children as long as possible at home and this will be long term when the accommodation is made suitable.

Ben Baskaran said: "We feel the important lesson here is partnership and pro-activity. There is no doubt that our OT is extremely pro-active. She seeks solutions and is willing to try anything to help us with any problems that we face. She also regularly talks about our children's changing needs and does not give up in finding solutions to meet them. We feel that other families could benefit from her ideas and we hope this diary does that."

As of October 2004, the family are waiting for planning permission to be granted. Following that the surveyor will get three quotes from contractors and the one with the most cost effective quote will be given the work.

Oliver and Jamie have been given a mobile hoist and sling for use in the house. Their bathing needs have been reviewed and equipment ordered as an interim until the building works are complete.

Distribution of funds

Fees for the surveyor and the builders will be paid in instalments and in full on satisfactory completion of the project.

The money is paid by invoice from the contractor at the end of the project, once it has been signed off by the surveyor and occupational therapist. With a project of this scale, an interim invoice will be presented halfway through.

The SCC Adults & Community Care Top Up budget is under extreme pressure and is allocated on need, risk to the service use and on principles of best practice.

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