Good OT home visit.

dorcas

Hi everyone

I had a home visit from a hospital OT this morn.... WoW it makes some difference to have a proper assessment. :!:

Thought I'd share what's been recommended as it might help others to know what aids there are/ to ask for.

The OT's recommending:
*a mattress tilt...an electric device that goes under the mattress and sits you up/ lies you back/ allows adjustable sleeping angle.
*a rise and recline chair;
*a toilet riser ...which is also an electric device that apparently helps you sit down on the loo and then stands you back up. :shock: (never heard of such a thing)
*a device (forgot the name) that helps wash your 'nether regions' after being on the loo :roll: (how embarrassing :oops: but I also didn't know of this device)
*a stair lift.

The OT also has a list of small aids/ gadgets that she's bringing out to me on her next visit.
The only thing missing from that 'conveyor belt' of aids was the cuddly toy.

I'm amazed at what is available; although I do wonder if the community OT department will be as keen when they learn that they have to provide half of it.

Iris xxx

dreamdaisy

Cor! Lots of lovely new toys! dorcas, this does sound good, this kit should really help you with the practicalities of life, I love the idea of the bed raiser! I already have a Mowbray toilet frame which I could not be without on occasion but yours sounds much more swish - amd much better for you given the hand problem/difficulty. I am glad they have been to see you and I hope it all turns up sooner rather than later. DD

chris7

Hi Iris

Wow does sound like a good visit but can't help feeling very very sad that you and many others are now in need of such things. Sorry that is a bit too negative and not helpful but there I have said it now. My apologies, I have a stinking cold and am not myself today.

It is always helpful for us all to be reminded of what is out there to help with the independence so many of us wish to hang on to.
Do hope they do get them too you quickly it will certainly make life a little easier and perhaps fingers crossed they will throw in the cuddly toy too.
take care Iris I know you have had alot to content with and do so with such good spirit
love
Chris xx

dorcas

dreamdaisy wrote:

I already have a Mowbray toilet frame which I could not be without on occasion but yours sounds much more swish - DD

Hi DD,

My new one will be much more 'flush' than swish.

I'm intrigued to know how it .. and half of the other things work.
There will be so many gadgets there'll not be much space left for little 'ol me (not so little :shock: ) in the 'smallest room in the house'.

Iris xxx

nearlybionic

Hi Iris
I am really pleased that your OT visit went so well. It is amazing the inventions they have to make life a bit easier.
I hope they arrive soon and you are able to take advantage of them soon .
NB

julie47

Hi iris

Great news that you are having lots of helpful aids.

Will keep you busy reading instructions on how they work

My bed raiser is OH pushes me up from behind but yours sounds fab.

When are they all coming?
Soon I hope

Take care
Juliepf xx

dorcas

chris7 wrote:

Hi Iris

Wow does sound like a good visit but can't help feeling very very sad that you and many others are now in need of such things. Sorry that is a bit too negative and not helpful but there I have said it now.
love
Chris xx

Hiya Chris
I certainly didn't take what you said as being too negative Chris.. so no worries.

I know what you mean about the sadness of being in need of such things... but aren't we lucky that such aids are available to us. :?:
as you also said, it is about maintaining our independence for as long as possible.. and in order to do that..well.. we have to be realistic about arther and accept the support and help that's out there.

The good thing is that we are not alone and have each other here on the forum to chat too and that definitely makes it all easier to cope with.

Hope you soon get over that nasty cold Chris!

Iris xxxx

dorcas

nearlybionic wrote:

It is amazing the inventions they have to make life a bit easier.
I hope they arrive soon and you are able to take advantage of them soon .
NB

Hi NB
I have no idea when any of it will arrive... might have to go through community OT procedures first. :shock: But Fiona (hospital OT) said she is prepared to fight her/my corner to get me these aids.... which is really kind of her.

How's your hip feeling NB? is it still feeling like broken glass. :?
hope it's not quite so painful for you now.

Iris xxx

dorcas

julie47 wrote:

Hi iris
Great news that you are having lots of helpful aids.
Will keep you busy reading instructions on how they work
My bed raiser is OH pushes me up from behind but yours sounds fab.Juliepf xx

Hi JuliePF
Instructions should prove hilarious.... especially the electric toilet seat riser and the electric bottom washer.
What if I get the timing all wrong or press the wrong button. :?: :oops:

Your OH bed raiser I'm sure is unsurpassed in the skills of ousting the recumbent PF from her roost in the mornings.
will let you know when the mattress raiser arrives and how effective it is.

Iris xxxx

ps... replied on your thread... good luck with the appointment next week. :!:

elainebadknee

Hi Iris

Well actually i think this is all wrong and if i can offer you some advice i think you need the help of a one man and his dog - aka Wallace n Grommit!!!
Just think with their help, you could be wakened, out of bed via machinery, breakfast on tab and all sorts of inventions to make sure you never have to lift a digit again....

Of course im being funny, really its great your OT is getting ya kitted out...Just thought id be daft, nothing changes...

Elaine n Sol

x x

Wonkylegs

Wow Iris!!! and I thought my OT visit went well

like you say it is sad to need these things but great that they are available

In my own experience I received much more support (and supplies) from the Hospital based OT than the community OT service, even though the equipment came from the same place! the Hossie OT ordered the stuff, but when she realised that it had not arrived by the time of her visit to me she was horrified and brought it all with her

round here it can take up to 6 weeks for things like perching stools etc to arrive :shock: but who knows about more specialist snazzy stuff like yours

great that you have the support there, and well done you!

goo dluck!
WOnky

ironic

Hi Iris,
Wonderful news Iris, I am so happy that you are getting some help. Some of the items sound very intriguing. The stair lift will be especially welcome. No more trying to get down those stairs in the middle of the night.
Like the sound of the mattress devise. Easier to sip your tea.

Hope some them arrive before Christmas.
Lv, Ix

dorcas

Hi Elaine, Wonky and Ironic.

Elaine.. you did make me laugh :!: wallace and grommit's 'the wrong trousers' spring to mind and are just what I need.

Wonky...thanks for the info on waiting times. I think I'll need to go on a course first to learn how to work all that machinery. :shock:

Ironic.. I hadn't thought of the 'hidden extras' regarding the mattress raiser improving my tea sipping ability :!:

thanks folks.... it's great to be able to laugh at times at whatever arther throws at us.
Iris xxx

mp1952

Hi there Iris

Wow, a good visit indeed!

I hadn't heard about the 'bed riser' but I could do with one of those myself..

I bet your grandchildren will enjoy using your toilet in the future!!

Take care

Marion xx
.

dorcas

mp1952 wrote:

I bet your grandchildren will enjoy using your toilet in the future!!
Marion xx
.

Hi Marion ... the thought did cross my mind :shock: ... heaven knows what my two littlest grandsons (aged 8 &5) will make of it all....
as it is they think me having a raised toilet seat and frame is hilarious and use the 'helping hand' and 'dressing stick' as swords or wands depending on the game.
I can just imagine how it's going to be :shock: but there's one thing for sure... it'll take them only one minute to work out the controls that I'll have been trying to work out from the manual for hours

I'll let you know more about the mattress raiser when I've had it 'installed'.

Iris xx
ps... hope your hands aren't too sore?

psyart

Hi Iris - glad the OT visit went well - I was refered to adult social services by the hospital OT and the aids they gave me are brill :!:

Am i right in thinking that you got put onto the Work Related Activity Group :?: :?: if so, will this assessment help with your appeal :?:

hugs ((((((((())))))))))))) to keep you warm in this cold weather :!:

Louise xx

dorcas

Hi Louise

thanks for the 'keep warm' hugs.!

I'm glad you too had a helpful OT... it should make quite a difference having the right supports in place.

I am in the 'Work Capability Group' :roll: but I hadn't thought of the OT assessment helping with the DWP appeal....
but you are right it would help!... in fact the assessment the OT did yesterday was very much along the same lines as the ATOS medical... but with huge differences in findings, so I'l ask Fiona (OT) when I see her again on the 9th if she would provide a report. :!:

thanks for the prompt Louise

hope you are feeling better today and enjoying the new baby.

Iris xxx

cebeem

Hi Iris
what a great visit!
from what I can remember working in OT /Physio ...the wash thing
was a closomat...could have been a brand name though!

Well done you for getting them hope you get some relief with all the gadgets to play with!!!

speak soon!!

dorcas

Hi CB

thanks for the info... I googled the closomat... what an invention :shock: . but at some cost :!: I'll be astounded if they provide something like that for me... will let you know

hope you are OK?
the time is fairly ticking away now towards your op
have you heard anything more about it?

I'm seeing my hand surgeon on Tuesday (snow permitting :roll: ) and we'll be discussing wally's progress & then the radio-ulnar resection and finger ops that he wants to do.

never a dull moment.

Iris xxx

speedalong

Oh wow Iris, sounds amazing - will they fund it all for you too?

Let's hope it all comes quickly - so many things will cease to be a struggle - and you will be able to save some spoons along the way.

How exciting.

Speedy

dorcas

Hi speedy

extra spoon saving would be a definite plus :!:

The hospital OT (Fiona) said that the community OT dept which I think is social services funded , will not be happy with funding what she has said I need but that she's prepared to fight her corner.
Fiona said that as she's carried out a full assessment..including a physical exam of all joints/ function (which community OT hadn't done) and has listed these aids under 'assessed need' that the fund holders will find it very difficult to refuse.

I'l let you know what happens.

hope you're not too exhausted speedy after that hard week....

Iris xx

julie47

Brrrrrrr morning Iris

Hope you are keeping warm.

Just read your reply about the toilet seat and wash help. oh yes you will have to becareful not to press wrong buttons

I reckon your grandchildren will also like the stairlift. When ever we went on hol I used to take key out of mine to cut off electric so that daughters boyfriend wouldnt play on it. also disengaged battery on wheelchair too ,

Just seen you are seeing hand surgeon on tues weather permitting, will be in your pocket with some hot toddy (drink not a male person)

Thankyou too for replying to my post. My outfit is a designer black shift ress and white jacket with black buttons in same material. Just wanted something plain but i must say it is lovely and with the black hat and bits of white and black things stuck in it (ok placed in it) it looks pretty good Sorry you couldn't get to SA mum and dad love it there, been 3 times. But I expect it would be too difficult for you, at least you can see photos and i am sure you will have a lovely one framed,

take care
juliepf x (ruffling hr feathers to get warm )

dorcas

Morning Julie PF

now... do you have any spare pink feathers?... it's freezing cold here and heaps of snow to boot.... so I'm imprisoned and waiting for a thaw. :!:

Your outfit sounds just lovely.... so chic! hope you upload pics for us to see

My niece came over with a CD of the SA wedding pics.... how lovely she looked; made me quite tearful, but in a happy way

I'll remember the advice about withholding the keys when the stairlift gets installed!

Thanks for offering to be in my pocket on Tuesday... hot toddy most welcome! Just hope that I can get there....

hope you can stay warm today and have a lovely day too. :!:

Iris xxxx