We need a toilet fitting into a downstairs room for an elderly member of our family. Nothing special, just a basic toilet but we are not sure whether to go for a saniflow or a normal toilet.
As it happens, the house was extended before we purchased it and the main sewage outlet pipe from the upstairs toilets runs down the corner of the same room where the toilet needs to be. It's all boxed off at the moment but I'm wondering if we could plumb the new toilet into that outlet
Also, would someone give me an idea of the sort of price we can expect to pay for a sniflow or a conventional toilet to be supplied, fitted and connected to this existing waste pipe?
Not a Saniflow, unless you like fixing them... Go conventional if at all possible, since they at least work when the power fails.
I've no current prices but check for local authority grants to modify a house for an elderly person's use, assuming they are living there. At least it should be VAT free and you can get your council tax down a band if you meet the requirements for "necessary modifications".
To comply with building regs you may need an extractor fan and a washbasin. A small electric (3kW) handwash can save running hot water to the location. Not sure if the work is notifiable.
Do you have anyone involved from social services at the council? They have people who can advise on what you might be entitled to claim for this sort of thing. An elderley person I know was helped to get the right adaptations installed from proper companies - not sure if they had to pay or not but the work was well done and organised quickly.
The supplier simply invoices it as "Vat Free for disabled person" if you give them an eligibility declaration. There are strict conditions attached to the scheme; see
or
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search hmrc.gov.uk for Vat notice Notice 701/7 VAT reliefs for disabled people
On Sun, 10 Jun 2007 21:01:22 GMT, "LongJohn" mused:
I would have thought so. If there is an accessible stack nearby then it shoudl be possible. If you are getting someone in to do the job then I'd get some quotes in, it's a lot easier to say a defnite yes or no when you're stood on site looking at the job than trying to visualise it from someones description on a newsgroup.
My parents have had a variety of house adaptations implemented - stair lift, grab rails in various places, pneumatic gizmo for raising people out of the bath and so on. These were predominantly organised and paid for entirely or partly by the local authority social services department. Policies probably vary from area to area, but anything involving access to or use of a toilet gets a very high priority.
Contacting the local VAT office is helpful, although the rules are clear anyway.
There are some practicalities though.
If a non VAT registered contractor is chosen, he won't be charging VAT on his work anyway. OTOH, he would typically be buying materials from merchants and would be charged VAT. Realistically, that would be passed on to the customer because said merchant is probably not geared up to handle VAT exemption stuff - don't know the procedures therefore hassle.
It may be worth asking the local authority or perhaps some care homes for details of contractors who do work for them. These will probably be of a size to be VAT registered and will certainly know how to process the paperwork correctly.
Others have given pointers to the regulations. Social services are the first point of call for grants and benefits. They will automatically get involved after a hospital stay - providing the hospital don't forget to request it (some advice
- play dumb. Don't be too keen to DIY. Keep asking for advice and help...) Don't forget, though, that budgets may impact decisions so apply early and keep re-applying, especially if things change.
Also try your doctor/practice nurse who may have links into local help providers, including respite organisations and charities - you need help too.
As an example, I ordered several aids, like hand rails and access aids, only to have them provided and installed free, after a home assessment. We also got things like a Zimmer, toilet height adjusters, medical/incontinence aids, special bedding and the like.
We funded a downstairs bedroom conversion with shower, washing facilities and new toilet suite all VAT free on signing a simple declaration form. Likewise with mobility aids, where the forms were suppled by the web vendors.
I applied to the council for CT rebates and, after another form asking about the modifications and, I think, a doctors counter-signature, got twice reassessed down a band over several years in both England and Scotland. This step wasn't widely published - I think I got the information off the web somewhere.
It's always worth asking first - We found Social services very forthcoming with the information - and were ready to fill-in their own forms for benefits :-) I remember one getting knocked back but the Social worker appealed it and we got it...
I would call them and ask and at least stick in the application rather than making the move and then expecting them to stump up the money.
Make it clear to them that the requirement is urgent and see what the reaction is. Then if they are not responsive, you can take a decision to do your own thing.
I don't know about this particular instance but I have been led to believe in the past that you always needed to get a grant application approved before commencing work even if the purse holders won't cough up until the work is finished.
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