My son is a spastic quadraplegic, totally dependant on care for his every need. I applied to Discovery for a wheelchair that would assist him in standing periodically during the day as he has problems with muscles contracting and dislocation of his hip. My son is 15 years old and weighs nearly 50kgs, as a single mom, I am no longer able to transfer him from his wheelchair into his standing frame and the result is that he no longer gets the exercise he needs to keep his muscles stretched. This request as been declined despite letters of recommendation from his physio, bio and an orthopeadic surgeon. The reason I was given "not warranted"
If my son was deaf, he would qualify for R 170 000.00 for a cochlear implant, but as he cannot walk, sit or stand unaided, he does not qualify for a specialised wheelchair at less than half that cost. I have been on Discovery since 1993/4, my son was born on the medical aid. I pay nearly R 100 000.00 a year for the medical aid and honestly expected better treatment and more understanding. A decision is made, without even seeing my son and the challenges he faces on a daily basis.
0 comments