Older tenant walking aids required?

Older tenant walking aids required?

9:15 AM, 17th February 2022, About 2 years ago 21

Text Size

I have an older tenant in a small one-bed ground floor flat. His walking is getting worse, and he is now using a small supermarket trolley to get back and forth from the shops to lean on and transport his goods, which is fine, but he now brings it inside.

The front door immediately opens into the lounge area as there is no lobby, so the trolley sits in the lounge (which is not very big) directly on the carpet.

The flat front door is right on the pavement and there is nowhere to leave it outside (it’s on a slight incline and narrow pavement). He now talks of ‘upgrading’ to an actual mobility scooter, but I don’t want that inside. Apart from the carpet being obliterated, the door is not that wide (it’s a grade 2 listed building) and there is the major issue of it coming in soaking wet straight into the lounge. He won’t have the capacity to dry it down every time, and there really isn’t enough room in there anyway.

I want to help, but fear plaster and door damage, a completely trashed carpet and damp room.

I have suggested he leave it outside, but he refuses, saying it will get stolen.

Any ideas anyone?

DSR


Share This Article


Comments

Old Mrs Landlord

16:27 PM, 17th February 2022, About 2 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Yvonne Francis at 17/02/2022 - 13:10
Yes Yvonne, almost certainly more easily than with a supermarket trolley. Some rollators fold really small and have a pull-down seat in case he needs to rest on his journey.

Reluctant Landlord

17:25 PM, 17th February 2022, About 2 years ago

I've sent him a letter to explain that he may want to consider a wheelie walker and basket type thing instead as far more stable than a trolley anyway and clearly better to fold down etc. I will get in touch with local Age UK for further assistance. I am very limited to what can be done on the outside of the property as G2 listed but it is only a small flat and all on one level. Its the distance walking he has trouble with not shuffling round the flat. There is no provision to update the bathroom as it is at all. Have told him I will be as accommodating as possible within the limitations of the actual building, the space and the insurance provisions. I cant do more than that! When he moved in in July he only had a stick as a temp measure as he has an op, but clearly this has impacted him more than he thought.

Mike

18:24 PM, 17th February 2022, About 2 years ago

If the pavement is narrow, imagine he would be reversing out onto a ramp, loses control straight on to a path of an approaching vehicle if his brakes don't work properly or if the wheels may slip in icy weather.

Reluctant Landlord

18:33 PM, 17th February 2022, About 2 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Mike at 17/02/2022 - 18:24
if he wants a mobility scooter he has no choice than to leave outside. Insurance will not cover a vehicle like this inside a residential property. Made him aware.

JB

15:09 PM, 18th February 2022, About 2 years ago

If you go to a charity shop or 2nd hand furniture shop you will find lots of walking aids (especially if you live in a retirement area). Some with/without seats and stowage below. You could treat him to one.
I got one for under a £5

... and maybe put well secured matting near the door?

Darren Peters

15:17 PM, 18th February 2022, About 2 years ago

Perhaps something like a small bike shed with an outdoor power outlet but as above talk to Age UK

KD South East

9:20 AM, 19th February 2022, About 2 years ago

I work for a Housing Association. For disability adaptations he would get an Occupational Therapist assessment usually via the GP.
The basket type mobility aid may be useful in the short term.
However, in this instance if his mobility is likely to reduce in the long term then he may be better moving to an older person's scheme/sheltered housing as some of those provide mobility scooter storage and can offer him other assistance also.
The wait list for these properties via the local councils Homemove scheme is often short compared with the rest of the waiting list.

Paul Tarry

16:50 PM, 19th February 2022, About 2 years ago

There is a purpose made storage pod with built in security on the market, it incorporates a charging point on some as well, it opens like a clamshell for access so if you have a small flat area paved or grassed it could be sited there
He could purchase one of these with a suitable electric buggy as a package or if he is ex forces, freemason etc they may fund or partially fund it
I have delivered to a block of flats where there were several outside for different tenants

You would have to search for supply so you could confirm this would suit you (assuming it would) and recomend tha right one

Puzzler

21:36 PM, 19th February 2022, About 2 years ago

Outside where? if the flat opens on to the public pavement he can't leave it there. Is there a back garden/yard?

Reluctant Landlord

16:50 PM, 21st February 2022, About 2 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Puzzler at 19/02/2022 - 21:36
nope no garden or rear access. Front door in off pavement that's. It opens out directly onto the high street with a very narrow pavement - all of 2 slabs wide.
Thanks for all your replies. I have suggested he asks for a self referal to an OT when when he next goes to the GP.
I will be as accommodating as possible if/when the OT suggests something. Any changes (not sure what I can make given the space/situation anyway) will require at planning permission and will probably be refused anyway. If he becomes more frail then he simply wont be able to live indep anyway.

Leave Comments

In order to post comments you will need to Sign In or Sign Up for a FREE Membership

or

Don't have an account? Sign Up

Landlord Tax Planning Book Now