Karen's Story #spartacusstories #spartacusreport

I live alone, I have been seriously ill for over 20 years - I am housebound.  In reality what that means is I have not been able to get out of the house to form a relationship with anyone - the few times I've tried in the past, they haven't been able to cope with the difficulties and limitations of my illness.  I have not been able to have children, because of my illness. 

So I am alone.  This is not what I pictured for my future.  It is deeply painful for me that this is how my life has turned out.  In the absence of any family support I claim DLA.  It means I can pay for a carer, someone to do my shopping, change my bed, cook a meal, do the washing up, clean the house, help me get around the house, wash my sheets which get soiled, someone to tidy the garden a few times a year, give me moral support ...

The things a partner, if they weren't working, or family may be able to offer some help with if I had one.  

I don't.  

DLA is my lifeline.  Pause for a moment and ask -  without it what would happen?  

No shopping, no meals, no washing, no housework or cleaning, sleeping in a soiled bed, living in a filthy house, unable to cook a meal... 

Is this humane?

The "luxury" of having help in the garden may seem a step too far for some... 

Consider this - I am housebound.  This means my house and, if I am well enough to go out there, my garden are literally, my World.  

They are the ONLY places I see all day, every day. Day in, day out.  Is it too much to ask that I have a small outdoor space which I can look at from my window and occasionally sit out in to get some fresh air, which is kept tidy for me? 

It's not a lot really is it? This is Britain in the 21st century. I would say it is a basic human right.  

That is what my DLA is for - to allow me to pay for things which are, or should be, a basic human right.  PIP will not allow me these things.