Bonfires and fireworks - NST November challenge

f0xh0les

Kerry_Woman wrote: »

Day 22
Managed to book an appointment for tomorrow about advise/quote for a wheelchair ramp. Did mention this to the doctor and ot in hospital, was told ok but do not buy anything at the moment. Maybe able to get some funding for the wheelchair ramp.
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Definitely don't do anything yet! I know all you want right now is to get her home, but when my step-gran became wheel chair bound after spinal cancer, the social services did a risk assessment of her house, did lots of grab rails and provided electric height changing hospital bed at her house, provided commodes, walkers, washing aids, electric wheelchair for narrow doors that she is is not allowed to take outside, a collapsible wheelchair in case she can find anyone to take her out and give her a push , a ramp into the garage etc. and with that, she was able to live in her own home with carers coming in 3 times a day and having proper cooked meals, not microwave muck.

You may have to pay for some of it - she bought herself an amazing seat that lowers her into the bath and decided to have her bathroom redone with lower everything and the kitchen worktops lowered so she could use them from the chair, but there is a lot of stuff you can borrow from the social, and return when no longer necessary, or get a grant to have done. If it means being able to stay at home, rather than going into one, it is cost effective.

Hope your mum is feeling better this morning, and you are being a star. :T

Kerry_Woman

f0xh0les - Thank you so much for that information. That has put my mind at rest. I am glad that your step-Gran got the help that she needed. Hoping to speak to the ot next week to start the ball rolling with getting things sorted. At the moment my Mum is in hospital for all of next week and to be assessed again. I know they will not let her home until everything is in place.

Toni'sfriend

Kerry Woman
I agree with F0xh0les. Wait till the assessment of the house is done before buying anything. They are really good at providing things to make life easier. When C's father came out of hospital after having a stroke they provided a downstairs bathroom (walk in shower and toilet) at no cost to the family. It was some years ago so may have changed a bit now but there is help available if you know where to find it. I'm sure someone here will be able to point you in the right direction.

Kerry_Woman

Toni'sfriend - Thank you for the advise. Glad that C's father got the help that was needed. The man has just left. He did advise as to what wheelchair ramp would be useful and left me a brochure of mobility aids etc. Very useful to have and see what is available. Not going to buy anything as yet.

f0xh0les

Kerry_Woman wrote: »

f0xh0les - Thank you so much for that information. That has put my mind at rest. I am glad that your step-Gran got the help that she needed. Hoping to speak to the ot next week to start the ball rolling with getting things sorted. At the moment my Mum is in hospital for all of next week and to be assessed again. I know they will not let her home until everything is in place.

It is not just the OT that can help, your mum should be assigned a social worker ( I know, I thought they were just for kids!) as a vulnerable adult living alone, who can get the ball rolling and keep it rolling, and knows all the agencies that can help, including Age concern or help the aged or whatever it is called.
They have a great phone helpline too.

I have just had to get power of attorney for my step-gran as she is worried she is getting forgetful, and it means I can take control of her finances should the need arise, or her parkinsons gets so bad she can't write cheques. It is all peace of mind for her, as she was 78 last week and still going strong, although housebound. She is just happy to be able to stay in her home for as long as she is able (even though I think she would be better with more social interaction - it is her decision until she is no longer safe).

Anyway, glad your mum is seeming perkier. Take really good care of you though, ok?

f0xh0les

And if you find yourself in need of something that you do not have, then it is really worthwhile asking on freecycle, or a local community page, as a lot of this stuff is put into a house, and then in the event of having to sell the property (to pay for care home fees or a probate sale), it all gets ripped out and stored in someone's garage until they hear of someone who needs a ________________ as it was so helpful to their mum/dad/gran etc they would keep it to be able to help someone else.

Kerry_Woman

f0xh0les - Thank you again for the further information. My Mum lives with me. Have also made contact with a carers organisation also. Will get more information/advise from them when my Mum is home again. Trying my best to take care of myself.

greent

Kerry Woman don't forget to look into carer's allowance if it's applicable.

The social worker and council Occ Health can usually put you in touch with funny little local charities which can fund some costs too. My late m-I-l had a 2.5k(!) custom made chair which raised her up/ led back and a new bed and mattress funded by a small local charity which does grants for such things x

Kerry_Woman

greent - Thank you for the information. Glad that your late m-I-l got the help that was needed.

Florence_J

NSD today woo hoo!