Another carer having to fight for her rights on top of her caring role!

Disabled man’s mum to fight on in cuts battle

7:00am Friday 10th June 2011

THE mother of a severely disabled Bournemouth man, who was told his care is being cut 70 per cent, will fight the decision with legal specialists.

Lorraine Zavadil will be using the same solicitors who won a test case at the high court against Birmingham Council.

She told Tuesday night’s full council meeting: “Is it not reasonable to expect a resolution that would not take this council into a protracted legal battle?”

Her 27-year-old son Tarik has cerebral palsy and needs 24-hour care.

He is registered blind, has the mental age of a toddler, and is at risk from Sudden Unexpected Death from Epilepsy (SUDEP).

His care package pays for a long-standing team of three people including night-time care, when he is most at risk of SUDEP.

She told councillors she has been trying to reach a compromise cut of 30 per cent.

Mrs Zavadil pointed to the council’s decision to find reserve money for the cash-strapped supporting people fund, which helped vulnerable residents.

She noted that included drink and dug addicts.

“Apparently, my son doesn’t qualify for the term ‘vulnerable’ for this administration,” said Mrs Zavadil, of Charminster.

She told the council that Irwin Mitchell, one the firms who represented residents in the Birmingham case, has now taken her on.

After the meeting, Judith Geddes, executive of community Services said: “Our Adult Social Care team is undertaking an intensive review of all Direct Payments given to our service users. “Using this resource allocation system, all adult social care is subject to assessment based on specific criteria. “These criteria are designed to ensure that vulnerable adults receive the most appropriate care package in the most cost-effective way. “In order to ensure that our limited resources are allocated fairly, the process has very limited room for negotiation. “Due to the very specific circumstances involved, we have offered Mrs Zavadil a staged reduction in the funding available.

“I remain confident and fully satisfied that Tariq’s wellbeing, quality of care and quality of life will not be compromised as the care package proposed is fully comparable with existing arrangements.”

http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/9075260.Disabled_man___s_mum_to_fight_on_in_cuts_battle/