Occupational Therapist

sharmaine

Hi everyone

I 'phoned up OT last month to see if I would be eligible for a grant to fix front steps (they're dangerous very steep and awkward for me to climb and I've already fallen a couple of times). He's coming this week! I'm not sure what to expect and I'm not holding out much hope but if you don't try these things you never know.

Can anyone give me an idea on what to expect?

Regards
Sharmaine

frogmorton

Hi Sharmaine
Well done for starting the ball rolling.
I imagine the OT will want to take your history and that sort of thing and will suggest ways to improve your access.
Good luck
Let us know how you get on
Toni x

woodbon

Hello, Thats a good idea. I think they come out and do an assesment on you and the property, but I'm not sure and it may vary in different areas. Hope you get some help.
Love Sue

debbieclap

Hi I had OT out they assessed my mobility and had someone here within a couple of week to rebuild my front step to make it easier for me to get in. They even offered to put hand rails up. They do all the work and social services paid for it to be done. Hope it works out for you let us know how you get on
Debbie

jaspercat

Hi Sharmaine, I got a grant through the O/T to put in a shower, he will have a look about the house, and have a chat to see if there is anything else you need, then if you qualify put forward your application for a grant.

Although don't expect anything in a hurry love Jaspercatxx

mash65

hi, well done for starting things off with OT.
i had my 1st assessment in dec last yr.
i had 2nd bannister rail fitted to my stairs & a bath rail.
they asked me loads of questions about getting in & out of the house,bathing etc plus my mobility.
they can offer you a stick,kitchen aids(mine didnt)a walk in shower.
i was asked about bathlift & we agreed that was what i needed/perfered but when she looked upstairs she decided that the house was too small to store it & it couldnt be left up permenant as the others wouldnt be able to use the shower.
i turned down the walk in shower as i like to soak my muscles/joints in the bath so as long as i can manage that the better for me.
but i was told that if i need the walk in shower or any more help to just ring them & theyd come out again.good luck with yours,debsx

sharmaine

Hi everyone
I'll let you know how I get on. Thanks for all the information.

Regards
Sharmaine

sharmaine

Hi

Saw OT and it went ok. Hand rail will be put by house; handrail up the stairs; thingy by bed (can't remember what he called it - but it will help me turn and get in and out of bed; perching stool. I'm glad I contacted them as it means I'll be able to get around our home much better. There will be a wait for a few things but I can live with that.

It was worth 'phoning up.
..
Sharmaine

mash65

hi,well done you.
it'll make all the difference to you now.
watch what you get up too with that pole thinggy next to the bed eh!
luv debsx

joyful164

sharmaine wrote:

Hi everyone

I 'phoned up OT last month to see if I would be eligible for a grant to fix front steps (they're dangerous very steep and awkward for me to climb and I've already fallen a couple of times). He's coming this week! I'm not sure what to expect and I'm not holding out much hope but if you don't try these things you never know.

Can anyone give me an idea on what to expect?

Regards
Sharmaine

I don't know where you live, but in Kettering and Wellingborough there is a huge wait, especially for work to be done.

They will probably give you a couple of grab handles to fit yourself.

Got a screw drive?

joyful

joyful164

sharmaine wrote:

Hi everyone

I 'phoned up OT last month to see if I would be eligible for a grant to fix front steps (they're dangerous very steep and awkward for me to climb and I've already fallen a couple of times). He's coming this week! I'm not sure what to expect and I'm not holding out much hope but if you don't try these things you never know.

Can anyone give me an idea on what to expect?

Regards
Sharmaine

Hello Sharmaine

Glad you have got someone coming out quite quickly
Here IN Kettering Wellingborough there is a long waiting list and even longer waiting time for work to be done. You may be lucky or they might give you two grab handles and a screwdiver. How handy are you. If it is slope that's another matter
jjoy

sharmaine

I don't think it's a pole thingy - it goes under the mattress or something.....I should really pay more attention. Anyway it'll help me get in and out of bed! I don't think I'll be doing any pole dancing ever!!!!
Sharmaine

sharmaine

Hi Joy
I'm not handy at all (hubby is) if I had to do it - it would end up in a mess! Hands have OA. I'm just thankful for what I'm getting. Life is hard with OA so if it makes it easier then that's fabulous!

Sharmaine

sharmaine

Hi
We have a walk in shower and I've been told not to have any more baths for safety reasons. I enjoy a bath especially when the joints are killing me. I'm getting a stool to put in the shower so i guess I can sit under it and warm myself up!

He wasn't happy with the way I was getting up from the settee (I prop myself up with cushions and use my stick) it is awkward and sometimes it takes a few attempts to get upright - you know what I mean!!! What a blooming sight I must look!!! So, I'm going to be getting a two-armed chair - he said it's not fashionable but it would put less of a strain on my arms/knees/back. I can always put a throw on the chair if the colour is horrid.

He said some things will come quicker than others. We'll see.

Sharmaine