Wheelchair user in Powys struggles in unfit bungalow

Stephen Dyke, 55, collapsed unexpectedly in his kitchen on New Year’s Day on January 1, 2024. When he regained consciousness, he was paralysed from the neck down, with only limited movement in his shoulder blades.

“I spent six days on the floor without water, food, or anything,” Mr Dyke said. “I was very close to death when my friend found me.”

Doctors discovered a damaged disc pressing on his spinal cord. Emergency decompression surgery was followed by 10 months of treatment and rehabilitation. Although he eventually regained some movement in his arms, Stephen now uses a wheelchair for mobility.

The narrow doorways throughout the bungalow make it difficult for Stephen to navigate his own home (Image: A man in a wheelchair.)

But during his long recovery, Stephen lost his rented home in Llanidloes, leaving him homeless.

“I lost everything,” he said. “The only stuff I had were the clothes I bought while I was in hospital”.

He was later allocated a bungalow in Crossgates through social housing - but the property has not been adapted for a wheelchair user.

For 18 months, Mr Dyke has struggled with doorways too narrow for his wheelchair, a bathroom too small to access, and an external ramp too steep for him to use independently.

At first, he was unable even to enter the kitchen. “I had a breakdown after two weeks because I was living on takeaways and soiling myself. I was using alcohol as a coping mechanism.

“Social services have done hardly anything. They closed the case because they say they can’t do anything.”

Although the kitchen door has since been removed, most doorways remain too narrow for a correctly sized wheelchair. His current chair is too small, causing him pain, poor posture, and pressure ulcers - but a suitably sized chair will not fit inside the home.

“I’ve gone from being active and outdoors to this,” Mr Dyke said. “My life has completely changed forever.

 “I would be financially better off in prison. At least I wouldn’t have to pay for food.

“I’m trying to help myself, but I’ve got no way forward of helping myself. It’s completely wrong.

“People are living like me, and we’ve got no control over it. The help you get is very limited and it seems ludicrous to me.”

Mr Dyke is now working with the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) as part of its national campaign calling for 150,000 wheelchair‑accessible homes to be included in the UK Government’s pledge to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029.

An SIA spokesperson said: “Cases like Stephen’s are shocking, but we hear similar stories all too often of similar dangerous and unacceptable cases. No one should become a prisoner in their own home.

“With 400,000 wheelchair users currently living in unsuitable homes, and long waiting lists, the need for fully adapted housing is urgent.

“A home is the foundation of our lives, and we all should be able to live in a home that benefits our health and wellbeing.”

A spokesperson for Powys County Council said: “We recognise how difficult and distressing housing challenges can be, particularly for residents who are adjusting to life‑changing health conditions. While we fully appreciate the concerns being raised, the council does not comment on individual cases.

“The council tries to meet the housing needs of people in Powys in a way that reflects their individual circumstances. This includes exploring suitable accommodation options, preferences about the locations they want to live in, considering necessary adaptations, and working closely with partner agencies to ensure people receive the support they need.

Powys Council's County Hall, Llandrindod Wells. (Image: Anne Williams)

“We know that for those living with serious mobility issues, the right home environment is essential to wellbeing, independence and dignity. Our teams continue to work hard – alongside health and social care professionals, housing associations and specialist services – to support residents as best we can within the resources and housing options available.

“We are committed to improving accessible housing provision across Powys and will continue to do everything we can to support individuals facing difficult situations.”