'We can't fault Muir' say couple who received help following brain injury
TWO Muir residents have praised the help of the housing association after a sudden brain injury turned the couple’s world upside down.
Nantwich resident Steve Brown became a full-time carer for his wife Carolyn after she suffered her injury almost five years ago.
He gave up his job to devote his time to looking after her but the couple received a further setback when changes to their benefits left them struggling to survive on little more than £30 per week.
But Steve has thanked Muir for its “excellent service” and has encouraged other residents with money worries to approach the Association and receive the help they might need.
“Muir has given us nothing but excellent service and I think they have got things right…I can’t fault them,” he said.
“In 2012 I gave up work to become a full-time carer for Carolyn who is registered disabled because of her injury.
“We moved into a new Muir property in 2015 and, within a week of moving in, the housing association had fitted hand, stair and grab rails.
“Until last year Carolyn was receiving Disability Living Allowance and mobility benefits, but these stopped when Personal Independence Payments came in.
“She had a new assessment but wasn’t awarded any points and so my carer’s income stopped too.
“A small portion of housing benefit was being paid to Muir but we were left with a monthly £140 shortfall and it wasn’t long before we fell into arrears.
“We contacted Muir to let them know what was happening and I’m really glad we spoke with them. They have been a big help to us.”
The worried couple were put in touch with one of Muir’s Money Advisors, Gordon Low, (pictured) who gave them the advice and reassurance they needed.
“Things were hard but Muir understood,” Carolyn said.
Gordon informed Steve and Carolyn about Employment and Support Allowance, the benefit which has replaced incapacity benefit.
Steve said: “It was valuable help which we hadn’t realised was there.
“You don’t really expect to have these services from your landlord but Muir have been there for us when we’ve needed them.
“We kept in touch with our Tenancy and Income Services Officers and now we are in a better position.
“Things like this can happen to anybody.”
Steve is now encouraging residents who find themselves in arrears, for whatever reason, to contact Muir for help.
“If you bury your head in the sand nothing will happen,” he said.
“But Muir are very good at helping you as long as you keep in touch and communicate so I would encourage others to contact them.”
“It feels like the best of both worlds for us as we know Muir’s support is available.”