Four persons with ME, 2 very severely affected and 2 severely affected would join forces and resources to form an ME Household. This combination is the right balance of income and care needs to make the Household SELF-FINANCING; living independently within the community and maximising the benefits of their income. This independence, shared support and responsibility for each other would foster personal dignity and a sense of enablement

 

The financial projections that A Place has put together show that this model is viable! The 4 weekly income - using the lowest DLA Care rate for 2 householders and the middle rate for 2 - is £5,600. Expenditure comes to £5,050 and includes rent, food, heating, electricity, water, council tax, buildings insurance, telephone and broadband, tv licence, maintenance fund and 2 cats plus carers costs. The figures add up!
An ME HOUSE would have 4 bed-sitting rooms with soundproofing, air-conditioning, darkened windows; every care taken to minimise sensory input. A home that is not hostile. Also rooms for 2 live-in carers and even a room set aside for respite care. They would be owned by a "benevolent landlord", perhaps a Housing Association. The house below is an 8 bedroom guesthouse on the Norfolk Coast and its asking price is £150,000.

This is no dream: if we want this & are committed, it can be REAL.