[wheelierach]

Hi all,

was chatting to my better half y'day about the prospect of us moving to France. We're getting married soon and would like to start a family, but over in France. I work as a teacher/interpreter/translator in French, German and Spanish and Ian is an IT consultant, so I think we'd be fine from a work perspective.

However, as a C5/6 with current 24 hr care-although we would like to cut that down at some point-we're not sure how the independent living system works over there and whether we would receive any money etc etc.

Ideally, we would like someone to come in as and when needed. I know there are EU reciprocal agreements and I can read the French government websites, but wondered if anyone here had a greater insight/could give us a bit of a headstart?

Thanks,

Rachel

[DarkAgdistis]

Hi Rachel,

I don't live in France but in Belgium, thus I know roughly how it works as I went there many many many times ( work and holidays ).

Regarding your health help, everything will be done through the health insurance ( "securite sociale" ) and the medical help is very good BUT ...

1. it might be tricky to find people if you live in the middle of nowhere ...

2. be warned that people's attitude regarding disabled is NOT what you would call open-minded ... of course, you can shoot at me saying that you can expect that kind of behaviours from anywhere ... yes but ... believe me : the more you go south in Europe, the less broadminded people you meet.

Of course there are exceptionnal people all over the world ... ( maybe not in Bush's bed though ... )

Cheers
DA

[wheelierach]

DarkAgdistis, on Mar 12 2007, 02:19 PM, said:

Hi Rachel,

I don't live in France but in Belgium, thus I know roughly how it works as I went there many many many times ( work and holidays ).

Regarding your health help, everything will be done through the health insurance ( "securite sociale" ) and the medical help is very good BUT ...

1. it might be tricky to find people if you live in the middle of nowhere ...

2. be warned that people's attitude regarding disabled is NOT what you would call open-minded ... of course, you can shoot at me saying that you can expect that kind of behaviours from anywhere ... yes but ... believe me : the more you go south in Europe, the less broadminded people you meet.

Of course there are exceptionnal people all over the world ... ( maybe not in Bush's bed though ... )

Cheers
DA

Hi,

thanks for your help. Do you know anything about independent living in France? Is it a case of 'lock up your tetras and throw away the key?' I love France and the French, but I know they are also arrogant and prejudice quite often.

Currently have live in care paid for by the state, but not sure as to how it would work out there.

I lived in France and Reunion, but both before my accident, although I have visited both several times since.


My bloke is an IT contractor and it looks like he'd have no problem getting work. It's me who's the problem No change there then.

Any info greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Rachel

P.S. Do you know a British SI guy who moved to Belgium-Gordon Rattray?
















.

[Izziwhizzi]

Hi Rachel

I think theres a female para who lives out there who runs an adapted gite - not 100% sure if she lives there but could be worth an email. Maybe I'm dreaming that she lives there :-)

www.les-cerises.co.uk

There are 2 other adapted French places in SIA's Forward magazine at least one is owned by a tetras family so they may have looked into the carer type info.

Also is there a french version of SIA who may have the info?

L xx

[Lucydog]

I have a couple of things to throw in here.......
My husband (AB) used to live in france and my Father in law is a visiting professor to one of the universities. While both of them love to visit the country, both say they would never live there permanently because firstly the beaurocracy is really terrible, makes the whole of Britain look slapdash! Its takes AGES to get anything done and paperwork is endless. If you dont speak fluent french you will find life very difficult, you might find it easier than your boyfriend actually from this perspective.
french attitudes are certainly different as said already, while we are always going on about the quality of their lifestyle we forget the positive aspects of our own. My husband says its easy to make acquaintances but almost impossible to have friends in france. And of course the heathcare syytem is very good but costly, you may be able to claim off the NHS and have it paid in France, might have to do it privately or through their own system. Im not really sure on that one but it will be very complicated either way.

Not sure if this is of any help at all, but thats mostly the perspective of a couple of ABs who are both fully fluent in French.

cheers
L

[DarkAgdistis]

Bureaucracy is indeed terrible and as there are agreements between the Uk and France for the health system it won't be too difficult

IF YOU SPEAK FRENCH !!!

Oh yeah forgot to say : good luck in finding a french guy with a decent english level ...

[Becca82]

Surely if you become resident in france the reciprical agreements with the uk stop no?
I grew up in france as a child, and although dont know much about their benefits system, i do know that as already suggested the beaucracy is crazy. Basically if they dont have to pay you/provide care because your not a citizen, then they wont! and if your not already a citizen, then they might refuse to accept you as one if they think you will be a drain on the social security system!
God that sounds so negative doesnt it! like i said, im not sure of France specifically, but when my partner and i have looked at living in other countries then all of his UK benefits would stop immediately (after 26 days out of the Uk) and he would not be entitled to anything from the govenment of the countries we looked at!
As previously suggested also, you might find that attitudes are very different, and im not even sure if there is any such thing as a dissibility rights comission, that says buildings etc should be accessible!!
sorry that i cant be of any specific help, but i hope it works out for you, as France really is a great place, even if the people can be a bit awkward sometimes!!
I think if you are prepared for the stress and hard work, it would well be worth it!!
bec

[DarkAgdistis]

Hello again,

In fact, if you live and work in France, you will have your social coverage paid partly by you ( very small fee ) and partly by your job.
And it should really not be expensive, don't worry.

For my own part, I live in Belgium but I work in the Netherlands ... and guess what ? I have to pay the social coverage in BOTH countries ... *happy hour*

The good thing is that I think I'm covered even if a Sputnik were to fall on my head

DA

[gazrobsuk]

Hi,

Just to throw in my 2C...

I'm nearing the end of a build in Spain so when I was last there I asked about healthcare etc. I was told if you live there or take up residency then your DLA stops without any reciprocation. also if you have documentation then you get two years reciprocal hospital care for e.g (don't know about home care though but in Spain I doubt there is any)

After your two years I'm told you need private care to cover you until 65 when you revert back to reciprocal again, otherwise you have to pay a big bill when treated if under 65. It's caught out many folks as they assume it's the same but of course it seems better when all these folks come over to the UK for benefits & health.

You can see it's quite complicated so as your fluent I'd really advise you talk to somebody in an appropriate department or maybe contact the French embassy here etc. Sorry I've got no specific advice but just what I've heard.

In my case as I'm not going to take up residency & use it as a frequent holiday home aparrently I'm ok but will need permanent travel insurance I think.

Gary

wheelierach, on Mar 12 2007, 01:37 PM, said:

Hi all,

was chatting to my better half y'day about the prospect of us moving to France. We're getting married soon and would like to start a family, but over in France. I work as a teacher/interpreter/translator in French, German and Spanish and Ian is an IT consultant, so I think we'd be fine from a work perspective.

However, as a C5/6 with current 24 hr care-although we would like to cut that down at some point-we're not sure how the independent living system works over there and whether we would receive any money etc etc.

Ideally, we would like someone to come in as and when needed. I know there are EU reciprocal agreements and I can read the French government websites, but wondered if anyone here had a greater insight/could give us a bit of a headstart?

Thanks,

Rachel