Beneficiaries' stories - Case studies 19 - 24
A walk-in shower
Mr Cant is 83 and worked at Tilbury Power Station.
His wife, who is 75 and has Parkinson's Disease, was finding it increasingly difficult to get in and out of the bath.
Having read an article in a magazine, he became aware that he could possibly qualify for help, so he immediately approached EEIBA's RWE Npower Help Line to see whether he could apply for retrospective assistance with the cost of installing a walk-in shower.
Mr Cant had used what was virtually the last of their savings to have one fitted so that his wife could comfortably shower and at that time was unaware that he could get help.
He said that this had improved Mrs Cant's quality of life and had given him peace of mind over the dangers of her trying to get in and out of the bath.
Although this was an unusual circumstance, it was agreed that if Mr Cant had approached the Help Line before the shower was installed, his application would have been supported.
It was therefore decided to put the case to the committee who agreed that help should be given.