How much is usually involved after going to OT?

toady

.. I have rashly agreed to see the OT without thinking how much of a commitment it might be, so I wondered (allowing for variables between depts and individual staff) whether it's likely to be as I hope; ie 1) assessment & suggestions for any equipment 2) return for said equipment 3) be re-assessed at some future point. Ish.

If it's likely to involve them wanting to see me regularly, it'll probably end in the standoff I had with a physio who felt I should drag myself over there when asked to whether I felt well or not, & regardless of other pressures/commitments I may have had, otherwise I wasn't taking my condition seriously. I'm not arguing that you need to put some effort in, but after a couple of lousy summers I'm tending ever more towards doing what I want on a nice day (as who knows how many of those I'll get anyway) - & not what may be good for me.

..just wondered if most people's OT's are flexible (no pun intended.) Thanks.

villier

Toady I am afraid I don't know, I am waiting for an OT to come and assess me and don't know myself all that it entails, I am sure some of the others will be along soon to help you out, good luck......................Marie x

marrianne

Hi Toady ,Missing the cafe but computor is well has been in for repair ,just getting up to speed ,......OT ??? Well my only experiences where as an in patient a few years ago and it involved haveing a huge hard mesh splint made for my handswrist to sleep in I DIDNT 2ND some hot wax treatment for my hands lovely at the time ..but long term made little difference apart from makeing the old person viens on the back of my hands stick up more ...I thought she was very bossy to and going on and on about the height of my bed toilet etc etc ... I had to fill forms in ad nuseum then I did feel pressured to buy something from this very expensive catologue ......... so no not for me at all and I do agree with you Toady our well times are precious and we need to do things that make us feel better ,but please give it 1 chance as its only fair because you never know hugs to you and everyone Marriannexx

marrianne

Oh the only thing that came afterwards were a few telephone calls from companies with special showers wet rooms etc xx

Numptydumpty

I'm guessing it varies from region to region. I have nothing but praise for the OT who came out to see me.
We talked for a while, then I showed her around the house, and she assessed my needs. She arranged for several grab rails to be fitted, supplied me with a pillow lifter, a bath lift, a commode, a toilet rail, a bed rail, and a wheelchair, all free of charge. She told me they can no longer supply the small stuff, cutlery, dressing aids etc and gave me a brochure and a few suggestions, no pressure at all.
She gave me her phone number, and that was that. I only hear from them now every six months, to arrange to have the pillow lifter and bath lift safety checked, this is done promply and quickly at my convenience.
I hope this helps, I'd advise you to go for it, what have you got to lose?
Numpty

stickywicket

I've always regarded OTs and physios as my friends. They make things possible which would otherwise be impossible. I have quite enough impossibilities in my life so I'm all for anything and anyone - and any amount of time - that minimises them. Go for it, toady, and I hope it helps

toady

Thanks all for the replies. I will probably go through with the initial appts because at least I will look like I'm trying :roll: if I find they get a bit bossy with me like marrianne then I will plead a relapse & 'things that have cropped up' as I just can't commit to a long series of, well, anything these days.

I hadn't even considered them wanting to come out to me etc :shock: so thanks for the advance warning, as that won't be something I'd agree to either (partly I'm not really at that stage but I also have some OT eqpt already left over from past relatives which is more than ample in my book :? ).

It's purely the 'how many times will they want to see me' that I'm wary about as I struggle with existing appointments and I fear these extras taking up the last of my spare energy. Well, borrowed & scraped up energy, don't have any of the actual stuff.

dibdab

I have really positive OT experiences with a specialist Rheumy OT. After an initial appointment where we talked through my issues she gave me some odds and ends of equipment and showed me other useful stuff in a catalogue if I was interested, but left me to follow it through on the web. I can ring and revisit as and when I need to......I have twice for new splints and pressure gloves all at no cost.

In my head it's worth an initial visit and see how it goes ? My OT offered to come out and assess the workplace for necessary adjustments and point me at possible funding streams too, following the advice my headteacher funded new chairs, laptop equipment etc which really helped.

Deb x

toady

Thanks, that's very helpful, it sounds as thought they are more slanted towards assessing & recommending things than embarking on a 'course' of regular appts. I'll see how it goes.

barbara12

Sorry Toady only just seen this,I would say give it a go, saying that I haven't had any dealing with them for me,but did for my late dad and they were a great help, but suppose it is down to the person you get..good luck

toady

I missed your reply so sorry also Barbara & thanks. I had my assessment on Wednesday and it was fine helpful, simple & very much sticking to the particular issues I'd been referred for. No commitment to attend regularly and no pressure or pushiness, so I'm very pleased. I have another appointment, a reasonable time ahead, so that's fine by me. I also feel better that I've done something the RA dept has aked of me as I so often seem to be jibbing or backing out of stuff, not always through fault of my own, but it does make you come across badly.

I walked into town from the hospital (which is way more than I could have done 2 or 3 years ago ) followed up with my usual post-appointment totter round the shops and did my 'buy overpriced groceries & nice things & pretend I always shop in the posh shops, in my imaginary sophisticated lifestyle' thing. All good. Thanks again for your advice.

stickywicket

Glad it went well

applerose

Glad you got what you wanted out of your appointment Toady. I usually have a wander round the shops after a hospital appointment although I go to the charity shops, not the posh ones.

lynnoot

I expect things have changed in these lean times, but I rang my local Social Services and they sent someone out to see me to assess what I needed. She wrote it all down on a form, and the equipment was delivered to me the following week. After that I didn't see her again, although at first a technician would come to check the electrical
equipment once a year.

I'm sure it wouldn't be as easy as that today, but it might be worth giving it a go if you think you need equipment.