occupational therapy & getting help around the house

freesia
freesia Member Posts: 409
edited 3. Feb 2013, 09:12 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi all...

I'm really really struggling with life now, seeing my consultant shortly about the next step & options in the hope he will agree to knee / partial knee replacement to both my knees this year....

I am still young (late 30's and working)..
How do I go about getting help around the house, like toilet aids / bath aids ect.....

Is this something I need to get privately myself, or can I get help/assistance from somewhere, I just don't know which way to go...

Not sure whether I have to pay...? I do qualify for free prescriptions...

Don't want to bother my GP, if it's something I can arrange myself.

Thanks peeps

Love freesia
hugs freesia xxx

Comments

  • salamander
    salamander Member Posts: 1,906
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    You should just be able to phone them up. You should find details on council website. You don't have to pay for aids, at least I didn't. They will come and do an assessment. Mine also gave me lots of tips of places to go for help and advice, but not as good as here lol!
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,881
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    In our area they are based sort of with Social services and as Sal says you can just refer yourself by phone.

    It will be the best thing you ever did Freesia :)

    love

    Toni xxx
  • jillyb1
    jillyb1 Member Posts: 1,725
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I was referred by rheumy nurse , might be worth while talking to your rheumy department as they can refer you . No charge but lots of help . Jillyb
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    My physio department referred me to Social Services, they came, inspected and then installed two handrails (one for each flight of stairs) and gave me a raised loo seat. I've bought my crutches and rollator so I could get what suited me as opposed to what was available. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • lululu
    lululu Member Posts: 486
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Freesia as others have said all you need to do is phone Social Services and ask for an assessment, you will find them via your local County Council web site. They are very busy all over the country so you need to prepare to wait quite a while, you may hurry them up if you keep phoning. I could not wait as my leg was in plaster after a fall so I bought a raised seat and frame to help me up from the toilet.
  • bubbadog
    bubbadog Member Posts: 5,544
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Some stuff you can buy from mobility shops, but I got a referal from my G.P for a home assessment from my O.T. I know you don't want to bother your G.P but that's what they are there for, and they can explain what your diagnosis is to the O.T and it makes it easier for the O.T to know what is exactly wrong with you and what future help you might need. Also it works out a hell of a lot cheaper as some disability aids are very expensive to buy!