Disabled Scots gran claims council told her to 'wash at sink' due to bath struggles

The 58-year-old has been desperately trying to have a shower fitted but claims the council refused the request and asked her to demonstrate how she uses the bath.

Get the latest top news stories sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter

We have more newsletters

Get the latest top news stories sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter

We have more newsletters

A disabled Scots gran claims her local council told her to 'wash at the sink' and left her feeling humiliated because she can't use her bath.

Karen Robertson, from Woodburn in Midlothian, suffers from a range of mobility issues which have left her unable to get in and out of her bath.

The 58-year-old has been desperately trying to have a shower fitted instead but claims the council refused the request and asked her to demonstrate how she uses the bath.

Karen, who has lived in the home for 37-years, has arthritis which affects most of her body and had pins placed in her leg when she broke it two years ago, Edinburgh Live reports.

Getting in and out of a bath has become near impossible and Karen requested a shower tray to be fitted instead.

She said: "I feel like I have to fight for everything. I am registered as disabled and I am in pain every day. I had to give up work four years ago because of it. I have arthritis throughout my body, joint issues in my hand and I'm getting peripheral vision loss.

"I do take painkillers and get on with it as much as I can because I have to. But not being able to wash properly or feel safe when I do is where I draw the line.

"I asked the council back in March if they could put a shower tray in and take out the bath and they said it was too expensive. They think that because I use the stairs or see me walking I should manage the bath but that's not the same, I can't lift my leg high enough to get into the bath. They even asked me to show them how I use the bath, it made me feel humiliated.

"If there's a shower tray there, I'll have room to put a chair or stool there that I can use to sit if I need to. It's just that extra security that can make the difference.

"If I fall in the bath, I'm in a lot more vulnerable position. I'd be naked, wouldn't have my phone, and could hit my head off the sink or the toilet."

Karen added: "The council told me to 'wash at the sink'. I'm sorry but it's 2023! I shouldn't have to choose between my safety and being clean.

"They also suggested putting a swing in the bathroom, but the room is small and my grip isn't strong enough with my joint problems. I feel like I'm being ignored, they're not listening to me."

The mum-of-two, who has been on a waiting list for occupational therapy since January, also claimed that the council suggested that she looked for somewhere else to live but she says that moving isn't an option.

"I have lived here for 37 years. I know my neighbours, we all look out for each other, it's a proper community and we help each other out. I don't want to lose that. Them telling me to move makes me feel intimidated and frightened and it makes me want to stop asking for help.

"I didn't ask to be like this."

A Midlothian Council spokesman said: “We’re really sorry Ms Robertson doesn’t feel listened to, which is never our intention. We will contact her directly about her request.”

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.