A disabled man who waited 19 months for his shower to be adapted has been paid compensation. A council was found to be at fault after the tenant suffered several falls as he struggled to use the shower, which was unsuitable for his needs.
A social care ombudsman ordered the council to hand over £1,500 to the man and his daughter after they found there were unacceptable delays in making the adaptations under a disabled facilities grant which was the responsibility of the local authority. An investigation report said 'Miss B' first contacted the council in January 2021 as her father, 'Mr C' was struggling to use his shower due to a disability.
A report detailing the ombudsman findings said an occupational therapist assessed his needs the following week and noted 'Mr C' was having difficulty accessing his shower because it had a step and he struggled to grip items. She recommended provision of a level access shower and associated works to create a wet room for 'Mr C,' MEN reports.
