The life of Paola Falicoff, a resident of Sant Cugat for 22 years, changed radically four and a half years ago due to shingles that led to chronic postherpetic neuropathy. Despite having recognized Grade 2 dependency, the administration has not granted her either labor incapacity or disability status, leaving her unable to work or receive necessary aid.
“"I am a hot potato that they keep passing from one place to another and nobody knows what to do with me."
Falicoff, who previously worked in a consultancy and was an athlete, now requires a walker and cannot remain seated or standing for long periods. She explains that the judicial process is under appeal, as the Catalan Institute of Medical Evaluations (ICAM) initially denied her sick leave, forcing her to return to work while unfit.
The Sant Cugat resident has also been highly critical of the state of the city's public space. Since using a walker, she has suffered several falls, one of which occurred right in front of the City Hall, where the subsequent resolution attributed responsibility to her for “not having been attentive,” a finding that made her feel “very defenseless.”
Falicoff denounces that the sidewalks in Sant Cugat are “a minefield” due to raised manhole covers and pedestrian crossings without ramps, and she questions municipal priorities. She laments that investment is made in new vehicles before fixing the streets, stating: “We are citizens who pay taxes and what we ask for is to be taken care of.”
I don't want a red carpet, but I don't want a field of thorns either.
