Pension/Benefit/Income help, caring for Grandmother

superpup

Mojisola wrote: »

There were OTs at the DLF but Mum also saw one who was sent by the Social Workers.

The OTs will be able to demonstrate things like a bath board - there's an example here - https://www.thedisabledshop.com/category/Bathing/2/1a

What you're suggesting with the bath sounds very risky - for her and you!

You really do need to get Nan assessed - a Social Worker and an OT should see her and your house. They will be able to suggest a lot of ways to make life easier.

You should also ask for a Carer's Assessment for yourself. The SS should also put in writing an emergency plan for what happens to Nan if you are suddenly unable to care for her. If you're in hospital having an emergency operation, you won't want to be worried about what's happening to her.

Thank you. I will hang fire on my stupid madcap ideas that are keeping me awake at night!

I think I will wait until she's here then register with my doctor, make an appointment then take it from there. Hopefully they'll be able to help and point me in the right direction.

Savvy_Sue

There may be a local day centre where she could go to have a shower / assisted bath. That might be a better short term solution than climbing in the bath with her! It could also give you a break, and much as you love her, that might be welcome to you. Also it would help her make her own friends in this new area.

Mojisola

superpup wrote: »

I think I will wait until she's here then register with my doctor, make an appointment then take it from there. Hopefully they'll be able to help and point me in the right direction.

I found that it was a very slow process, getting appointments with the right people, etc. I would start now so that there isn't a long time-lag between her arriving at your house and help being given.

Borrowing equipement from the Red Cross - https://www.redcross.org.uk/What-we-do/Health-and-social-care/Social-support-in-the-UK/Medical-equipment - might give you a breathing space until you can get the OT round for an assessment.

sleepless_saver

superpup wrote: »

How do I get an OT in, is it through the Dr? I'm not sure the best way to get her in the shower. I would be able to lift her up to standing if I got in the bath with her but I don't think it would be very dignified for her but I think I could get her seated under the shower (big shower bath).

May be different in your part of the world but I'd phone local council social services department and ask for OT referral. It would help if the OT could actually see your gran in action if you see what I mean.

Personally I wouldn't buy anything until OT has assessed unless there is a long waiting time (apart from anything else you might get some of it for free).

Please don't do the thing with the bath! There are alternatives. Also I'm sure I remember seeing some useful threads on stairlifts - worth doing a search.

superpup

Thanks guys

Don't worry, I'm right off the bath thing!

All I'm going to buy to start is a chair. She needs something higher than I have. I would also like to get a folding wheelchair so we're not restricted as to how far we can go. I will call the doctor and social services so I can get the ball rolling as soon as she is here.

I have thought about taking her to a centre but will have to play this one by ear as she's never been a great one for mixing and keeps herself to herself pretty much. I do think it would do her good though. It's not like I can't leave her for an hour or so at the moment as I'm not worried about time for myself right now.

Thank you x

sleepless_saver

superpup wrote: »

Thanks guys

Don't worry, I'm right off the bath thing!

All I'm going to buy to start is a chair. She needs something higher than I have. I would also like to get a folding wheelchair so we're not restricted as to how far we can go. I will call the doctor and social services so I can get the ball rolling as soon as she is here.

You can get raisers for most (but not all) types of chairs which might be a reasonable short term solution.

superpup

sleepless_saver wrote: »

You can get raisers for most (but not all) types of chairs which might be a reasonable short term solution.

Thanks, I've just been looking at those but i only have sofas so wouldn't be any good unfortunately.

I think i'll speak to someone first before i invest in a chair. I've seen one i think would be okay but at £300 it's a costly buy if it's not right for her.