I've washed in a basin for a year

David Moroney • Published 16 Mar 2010 14:00

A DISABLED man who suffers from a severe skin complaint has had to be washed from a basin by his wife for a year because he can't get a vital walk-in shower.

Stephen Devenish suffers from psoriasis and eczema, as well as being paralysed down his left side as a result of a fall when he was 17.

The 53-year-old can't use the bath - but landlords River Clyde Homes says it is not carrying out any house adaptations until a study into the programme is completed.

Teresa, 48, said: "For the past year we have been washing Stephen from head to toe with a basin.

"He can't get into the bath, and even if he could it's dangerous because he may take a seizure or fit.

"If he had a seizure in the bath it could be fatal. He's in constant pain every day.

"Stephen has to be bandaged from his legs to his neck. His skin is really bad just now and getting worse.

"Our support workers, nurses and carers are right behind us. I feel totally let down by River Clyde Homes."

The couple say their previous home had a walk-in shower but the property was gutted by a fire.

Now they say they have been offered a move again from their home in Montgomerie Street, Port Glasgow, rather than having the shower installed.

Teresa said: "We have been offered to move to another property but can't face the upheaval."

Stephen, who suffered head injuries in a fall while working on a boat, said: "I would be quite happy if we had the shower and could stay here. I hope other people don't have to be in the same position - there are others worse off than me."

Port Glasgow Councillor Jim MacLeod has supported the couple's battle to have a walk-in shower installed.

He said: "Sadly, there are many others in a similar sitiation.

"There's a crying need for aids and adaptations in houses across Inverclyde - and the demand is only going to get greater.

"A lot of people have been assessed by care professionals and social workers who back their need for aids and adaptations to make their lives easier and to improve their independence."

A spokesman for River Clyde Homes said: "The Robert Street area has been the subject of a feasability study by Inverclyde Council.

"Our board has not yet had an opportunity to discuss the matter of our properties in the area.

"Given the uncertain future, Mr Devenish has been advised that we are unable to carry out the adaptation at the moment and has been advised to apply for an adapted house elsewhere in Port Glasgow which we will happily help him to do."

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This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 16 Mar 10

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