Progress not Perfection

enthusiasticsaver · 7 August at 9:24AM

I get the impression that SA has encouraged Mr SA on numerous occasions to join these things to expend energy and broaden horizons and stop him being so bored but he is resistant and I guess transport may be an issue? I don't think life is easy for the disabled especially if they do not drive but Mr SA seems particularly challenging maybe because he has a brain injury too? A shame though as things like wheelchair tennis or even walking football which my brother in law does as he has Parkinsons is a great way for him to get out and meet other people and ease the pressure on you.

I hope you manage to get some time for yourself this weekend SA and great news on the garden makeover. Mine is so dry I don't feel like doing anything out there.

Sun_Addict · 7 August at 3:24PM

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82094428#Comment_82094428

Hi KajiKita, you're right he could do with finding something to do other than surf the internet for things to buy and watch TV. However he's very limited in what he can do as he has quite extensive brain damage which not only limits his mobility but affects his balance, speech, concentration, co-ordination and he has very little grip in his hands. He's not a wheelchair user as such so not able to play sports from one, he uses a mobility scooter and only a wheelchair as a last resort. I've tried on many occasions to get him interested in doing 'something' but the part of his brain that's damaged affects motivation as well as the other issues. I think the restlessness is also part of the brain damage where he can't really settle to do anything. He enjoys going out on his scooter with the dog though.

Sun_Addict · 7 August at 3:28PM

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82094898#Comment_82094898

Yes that's right. He tried Men's Sheds once, he only stayed 20 minutes and refused to go back. He's also been offered support groups for people with brain injuries but won't go. He's not very good at socialising to be honest, he wasn't that sociable even before the brain injury.

Sun_Addict · 7 August at 3:50PM

Afternoon all, happy Friday.

Mr SA finally has a courtesy scooter 🎉 He phoned the scooter shop this morning and there was no update on progress with the repair. I told him to phone Motability, they weren't happy with the shop and said the rule is they must supply an alternative scooter after 48 hours, which they haven't. Motability contacted the shop's head office and negotiated a courtesy scooter which has just been delivered. He will also get a small refund for the time he's been without a scooter.

It's such a relief for me as he's been driving me nuts. Yesterday afternoon, unknown to me as I was working, he went across the road on his own pushing his wheelchair. Fortunately the gardener was passing by in his van, spotted him struggling and wheeled him back home.

Worked in the office until late morning then WFH this afternoon.

Picked up Mr SA's plant sterols click and collect from B00ts and when I opened the box at home the order was short by one box, I ordered and paid for four and have only received three😞 I've emailed customer services asking them to look into it.

Stopped off at Lid! and picked up a free shortbread for Mr SA and a free pizza slice.

End of week finance check done and cc balance cleared.

Today's exercise has been walking to/from work and I'm doing a live strength training class at 5pm.

Tonight's dinner is lightly dusted yellowfin sole from freezer stocks with steamed veg.

foxgloves · 7 August at 3:58PM

Thank goodness the courtesy scooter has arrived. Any getting out of the house for some fresh air has to be a good thing for Mr SA. It's something he can do himself & at least feel he has a little agency over something. It must be frustrating for him not to be able to do all the stuff he used to do, as well as the knock-on effect on you.

KajiKita · 7 August at 5:25PM

Thank you for the explanation, I hope me asking didn’t cause distress.

As Foxgloves said, thank goodness for the courtesy scooter! That will be lovely for Mr SA, you and the dog 😉😊

KK

Sun_Addict · 7 August at 6:22PM

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82095540#Comment_82095540

No not at all. He had a brain tumour and brain bleed 13 years ago. He’s been in remission since December 2013 after a 9 months battle but it’s left him with significant issues.

The first thing he did when the scooter arrived was take the dog for a spin 🤣

Sun_Addict · 7 August at 6:52PM

At least the cactus has enjoyed the heat in the greenhouse 😆 It lives there all year round and is thriving. Look at all the babies it’s produced. It must be at least 50 years old as it originally belonged to Mr SA’s grandad who passed away in 1983 and he’d had it a while.