How would it work if...

margaretclare

PurpleSky wrote: »

I have to ask you to explain this trick - I have problems with weakness in my arms and my bra is always an issue!!

When DH is around it's not an issue, but when I get out of the pool after shower, that's when I get into my bra without undoing it. I fasten the end fastening, put it over my head, pull it down and then wriggle myself into it that way. Can't really explain it any better than that.

Richie-from-the-Boro

Not my area of expertise, but its an engineering problem so >> go here >>

Mojisola

Mum does her bra up at the front and then slides it round until the fastenings are at the back.

She doesn't find front-fastening ones comfortable because of operation scars.

lessonlearned

Hi Margaret Clare

Glad you got your AA sorted out. I agree it's to be used to help make your lives easier, not just buying in care. Both my parents get it (well in their 80's) - they have a cleaner, a chiropodist visits them, mum cannot raise her arms properly to wash her hair so has a hairdresser, the house is nice and warm etc. AA has made their lives a lot more comfortable.

Have you had an assessment to help with any equipment that might help you. Your first port of call for this should be your GP. Social services can provide a range of equipment - not just wheelchairs and chairlifts - all sorts of bits and pieces to help you remain in your home and retain your independence.

My OH has a gadget called a rotunda - two actually (one upstairs and one downstairs) to help with transfers from wheelchair / bed / armchair etc. Your DH might find one or something similar helpful.

Agree with wills - we've done ours too, also done power of attorneys and now need to do "living wills"- sorry forget the proper technical term offhand - it's a document which states what treatments you want/do not want should you become unable to communicate your wishes. We need to do this whilst OH still can.

He has a neurological condition, the symptoms of which are similar to Motor Neurone disease. He's deteriorated a lot in the last couple of months - I'm also noticing some memory issues and cognitative changes:(. It's time to reassess everything again.

Savvy_Sue

margaretclare wrote: »

When DH is around it's not an issue, but when I get out of the pool after shower, that's when I get into my bra without undoing it. I fasten the end fastening, put it over my head, pull it down and then wriggle myself into it that way. Can't really explain it any better than that.

No, that makes perfect sense, and I'm thinking "Why didn't I think of that?" :rotfl: Still think you'd need a fair degree of stretch or give in it though: may have to experiment tomorrow, but don't think my latest bras will 'work' with that method.

And will not attempt it unless DH is here, I can imagine getting stuck half in and half out, unable to move in either direction. :rotfl:

Richie-from-the-Boro wrote: »

Not my area of expertise, but its an engineering problem so >> go here >>

We all know front fastening bras are available, but as Mojisola notes, they're not always that comfortable. And if you had an hour or so, I could tell you how hard I tried to buy some on the high street - no use buying online when you don't really know what size you are!

Richie-from-the-Boro

Fair comment Savvy_Sue, at least two of my ex wives used to do~em~up at the front, then swivel~em~round. Muscle / bone / leverage / little actual energy or mobility / flexibility required to move them. I'm out of here, just looking at the arms capacity to do the job. All lateral / very small horizontal arm effort and no need to raise the arm above central chest height !

Savvy_Sue

Richie-from-the-Boro wrote: »

Fair comment Savvy_Sue, at least two of my ex wives used to do~em~up at the front, then swivel~em~round. Muscle / bone / leverage / little actual energy or mobility / flexibility required to move them. I'm out of here, just looking at the arms capacity to do the job. All lateral / very small horizontal arm effort and no need to raise the arm above central chest height !

I've done both, in my time, but apparently from an engineering point of view, one gets the best fit if one can lean forward into the cups and do it up at the back. If one does it up at the front (whether front or back fastening), one has to woman-handle one's jiggly bits into the right places with less assistance from gravity.

As I've said I sometimes get DH to do me up, and sometimes sort myself out. Personally I'm not convinced I can see or feel the difference in the fit with those experiences.

The day I can't get out of a bra without assistance is the day I stop wearing one! Usually ready to rip it off the moment I get home - and yes, I have had a fitting recently!

toomuchinfo

Thanks to this tread I looked up AA to see if it would apply to my Mum who's 83 with several care and mobility needs.

I filled out the application on-line on Tues 17th May and posted off her prescription list the same day. On Friday 20th May someone phoned Mum to ask a few questions and said that she'd hear back witin 7/10 days.

Yesterday she got the letter awarding her AA. She's really happy and the money will be a big help.

I agree that it will be useful for lots of things like taxis and for getting her hair done at the hairdressers because she can't even wash her own hair anymore or bend over the sink for me to do it.

I wish I'd known about it before but of course I'm sad that she is getting older and less able.

I'm very impressed with the DWP on this occasion for sorting it out in such a short time.

Thank you to everyone on this thread aswell xx

Mojisola

toomuchinfo wrote: »

Yesterday she got the letter awarding her AA. She's really happy and the money will be a big help.

That's good to hear. If there is anyone who is caring for her, they could now claim carer's allowance.

It's worth getting a benefit check done every now and then. My parents have found the Pension Service very good at making sure they are getting everything they are entitled to. They come out to the house and sort everything out.

toomuchinfo

[It's worth getting a benefit check done every now and then. My parents have found the Pension Service very good at making sure they are getting everything they are entitled to. They come out to the house and sort everything out.[/QUOTE]

Mum lives alone but we live very close by and go over several times a day to help.
I phoned the Pension Service yesterday and they said that she might get more Pension Credits now because she lives alone and they are sending her a form.:)