I have been a war widow since 1999. My late husband served for over 20 years. I worked early during this time and always notified DVA when I did and my war widows pension was adjusted to suit.
I have always tried not to depend on DVA to much .
I am now 76 and have severe arthritis in both knees and lower back which make using more than a few steps impossible and dangerous.
I live in a 1bedroom unit on the 3rd floor of a high rise building. It is social housing managed by a church group through State housing.
I pay rent of $596 a fortnight from my pension. I have lived here for 5 years and never ever been late paying my rent as it is automatically paid from my pension .
The problem is that the elevators are out of service more often than they work. There are 48 steps from ground floor to my floor. There is no way I can use then safely
I have missed medical appoints because I could not get out. I have arrived home and been unable to get in because the elevators are out and had to go stay with my daughter until they were repaired.
I was told if there was a fire or emergency I had to stay in my unit until the fireman came to get me.
The problem is that there are two other residents on my floor who cannot use the stairs , wheel chair, walker ,carry oxygen bottles etc and every other floor as at least 2 residents in the same position .
It's a rediculas situation
I applied with the building management and state housing for a transfer to a ground floor unit anywhere on the south side of Brisbane to be able to get to my doctor and specialists. Accompanied with full medical documents , and letters from 2 doctors requesting a transfer for my well being and safety
It was refused on the following grounds..
"" Units in Buildings that have elevators are classed as every floor is ground floor"""
?????.
How do I find an advocate that can help sort this out for me ??
This simply makes no sense.
I don't expect special treatment just some advice
Thank you
