Distraught Lynn is forced to quit the hell she calls home
Respite care the only option after improvement works are delayed
A DISABLED woman who has to drag herself along the floor to get to bed says she is “losing the will to live” because of lengthy delays in making her home habitable.
Lynn Callan, who suffers from spina bifida, shared a harrowing video earlier this year of her gruelling daily routine – which involves hauling herself into a lift at night at her home in Larkhall.
The 48-year-old – paralysed from the waist down – and her frail mum Betty, 69, say South Lanarkshire Council promised to fund adaptations after a two-year battle for help and were assured they would be complete by the end of the summer.
But work is yet to start and Lynn has now been forced to go into respite until her house is fit for her to live in.
Betty said: “Lynn has no toenails on her foot from crawling and her arm is all swollen.
“I’m sleeping on the floor with a duvet because I can no longer sleep in my bed due to back pain from lifting Lynn. We’re both in tears most days watching each other struggle. You wouldn’t treat a dog like this.”
Lynn shared videos of her ordeal to social media in January to highlight her desperation.
After dragging herself to a floor lift which takes her up to her bedroom, she has to sit on an inflatable mobility cushion and be raised before being helped on to the bed.
She said: “I am physically and mentally exhausted doing this now. I can’t take much more.
“I’m losing the will to live and have no dignity. Lately I’ve been feeling like I just don’t want to be here anymore.” Widow Betty was Lynn’s full-time carer until her own health deteriorated in 2017 and help was provided.
But Lynn says the care commission require her to get ready in her room, which is too cramped for carers to work in and use the equipment needed.
She asked the council to extend the property and says it was suggested she should instead move to another area, but she doesn’t want to leave the network of family and friends she has nearby. After trying to crowdfund the cash herself, Lynn’s wish for adaptations to the two-bed property was granted in March. But seven months on, she is still waiting for work to start on the downstairs bedroom and open-plan living space she desperately needs.
Betty said: “When they said they would help we were delighted but not one thing has changed, apart from our health.
“There has just been delay after delay and now Lynn has to go into respite for as long as it takes - which takes away her independence. We just can’t live like this any more.”
South Lanarkshire Council said: “We assisted the owner occupier in establishing what physical alterations could technically be made to the property to support the family’s medical needs. Thereafter, Care and Repair, an independent charity that provides assistance in such circumstances, have been working closely with the owner to access grant assistance.
“The process of securing architects, building warrants and contractors to undertake the agreed works is ongoing and the owner has been kept updated at each stage.
“Care and Repair have confirmed that, as required for grant assistance, three contractors have now tendered for this work.
“The tenders are due back on November 1, 2019 and thereafter a contractor will be appointed to build the extension.
“We will ensure the successful contractor is aware of the urgency of this situation and ask that they undertake these works as soon as possible.”