esa form question

**helbells** · 10-10-2011 03:39 PM

hi im filling out my esa50 form and im struggling on question 15 it says tick if you can go out alone.the problem is i avoid it and need someone with me most of the time.i do try 4-5 times a week to get out alone for 10-15mins but that takes alot out of me .if i dont tick can go out alone and but put in space below.that i avoid going out alone would that mean i can never go out alone.or would i be ok still to try and get out occasionally.
thanks

**davewhit** · 10-10-2011 04:26 PM

Originally Posted by helbells

hi im filling out my esa50 form and im struggling on question 15 it says tick if you can go out alone.the problem is i avoid it and need someone with me most of the time.i do try 4-5 times a week to get out alone for 10-15mins but that takes alot out of me .if i dont tick can go out alone and but put in space below.that i avoid going out alone would that mean i can never go out alone.or would i be ok still to try and get out occasionally.
thanks

tick it varies and give full details of all the problems going out on your own and why its safer and better to have someone with you.

**Stepheninleeds** · 10-10-2011 04:36 PM

Yes, Dave is right, you need to be honest. Do not make it seem like it is a choice though, if it is not so. Not being able to go out without help at times is vital, for you it seems, so make that clear, if this is the case. You have good days & bad days. Just make sure you do not imply you have good days more than you do.

**helbells** · 10-10-2011 05:55 PM

thats the problem it doesnt give you an option to tick it varies.it says tick if you can go out alone if so move to question 16.it asks has part of question 15 can you go out with someone you know and can you go to places you dont know.i aviod going out alone

**Stepheninleeds** · 10-10-2011 07:10 PM

Then do not tick to say you go out alone, then explain your situation. This way you are covered. This sounds similar to the DLA one on going out. I can go out, but not far, I need help, but not always much. I need some physical with taxis, doors, items, etc. I can manage if I get help from other people when out, & not have too many idiots. As this rarely happens I need help almost all the time. I do not say it like that though. I say what help I need, when & why, how much, etc.

**Carneucopia** · 10-10-2011 09:51 PM

I'd tick 'no' - you struggle to go out alone. What you have said about trying for 10 or 15 minutes 3 or 4 times a week - but it takes a lot out of you - is relevant. Theres no harm writing exactly that to explain - but also try to explain WHY it takes a lot out of you - how it makes you feel.
Explain if - when you do try on your own - you have to stick to familiar places and routes which you know. Explain why - to go any further for longer - to attend appointments, shopping or whatever - you MUST have someone with you. What would happen if you didn't have that help? How would you feel?
Try to avoid saying that you 'avoid' going out alone. That tends to make it sound as if you just don't bother. In fact you are making an effort but it isn't working well enough to give you any worthwhile degree of independance.

**helbells** · 10-10-2011 10:33 PM

you cant tick no its not an option,would it be presumed if you didnt tick(can go out alone)that you never go out alone though.by avoid i mean try to have arragements in place even if it means someone meeting me at the other end

**Carneucopia** · 10-12-2011 12:06 AM

I think you'll find that wherever there is a 'yes' option on a form there is also a 'no' option. However - if necessary just leave the tick boxes blank and write 'please see below' and put your explanation in the box provided.
And instead of saying 'avoid' just say what you have posted here, that you need to have arrangements in place etc. You are explaining things very well here to be honest. Just explain them in the same way on the form, and don't be afraid of attaching extra sheets if you need them. Don't be afraid of telling it as it is - just be aware of how some words can be interpreted.

**andypandy** · 10-12-2011 02:47 AM

Carneucopia is right and if there isn't a box, enclose a separate piece of paper. Don't them force you into boxes. When will they learn "we" DO NOT fit into nice little boxes

**Stepheninleeds** · 10-12-2011 08:34 AM

I think the confusion is in how they have worded this part of the form. We have all had such forms, double negatives, option for one thing & not another. Tick this box if the sky is blue, then go to question 27. Well the sky is not always blue, & even when it is what sort of blue is it? There is not always a yes & no option as often they are too specific on some forms, & disabled people are far from precise in our disabilities & needs.

As we have all said, fill out the part of that section with details of your situation, that way you have told them what you feel they should know.