Video highlights desperate plight
A shocking video highlights how a disabled woman’s daily struggle to get ready in a tiny space has left her with “no dignity”.
Lynn Callan, who has spina bifida which has left her paralysed from the waist down, posted the footage on social media as a “last resort” last Thursday.
The 47-year-old, from Larkhall, allowed herself to be filmed in a desperate plea for help finding a larger bedroom.
She explained: “I’m fed up fighting. My mum and I have tried being nice, and now I have thrown away any dignity I had left by making this video.”
Lynn can be seen in the video dragging herself from one room to another before entering a floor lift which takes her up to her bedroom.
The lift door is faulty and only opens slightly, leaving Lynn to struggle out. Once in her bedroom she is helped onto an inflatable mobility cushion, which is being held together by duct tape, by her mother Betty before being placed onto her bed.
Betty (68) explained: “This is the way Lynn has been getting around the house since 2017. We had to get carers in at that point as my own health had deteriorated and I couldn’t do it all by myself anymore.
“It was at that point we were told that Lynn had to get ready upstairs in her room. But her room is not nearly big enough, there is no room for a proper hoist, and the lift doesn’t open fully so she is having to squeeze herself out of it.
“We’ve been battling for years to have something done but no-one is making a decision. It’s heartbreaking to watch Lynn like this.
“The authority have suggested I get Lynn a smaller bed and do away with a wardrobe, giving her more space in the room.
“But Lynn has lots of clothes and enjoys going out. She needs the double bed to get ready. This does not solve the problem.
“Some people have suggested I sell up and move, but why should I have to move away from all my friends and family that I have close by? They have always been there for both of us.
“All my neighbours have been really supportive, and I have people who I can call upon if I need help close by who I wouldn’t get by without.
“I’ve offered to the council to pay for part of the cost, the new window and the decorating, if they would just look at giving the extension to the bedroom.”
Since Lynn posted the video last week she has received an outpouring of support from people around the world who have viewed it.
A spokesperson for South Lanarkshire Council said: “While it would not be appropriate to go into the details of individual cases, we are committed to supporting this individual and we are in ongoing discussions with regards to a longterm solution to meet the family’s needs. All service users are assessed based on their individual needs but the family have been advised that the council is not able to provide additional living space, such as building a house extension, under the terms of the Scheme of Assistance that we work to.”