thinking I need to re assess my gadgets....

[tiggerfan]

since my flares are getting worse again I'm thinking I'll have to reassess my gadgets I use to keep me moving/make things easier in the house etc.

particularly a bath seat and some other form of wallking aid as my walking stick just makes me ache when I use it...maybe I should find someone to weld wheels on my perching stool(I love that thing,sometimes even turn it round and use it as a walker anyway!

what does everyone else use both for mobilizing and elsewhere in the house?I've had a look on the betterlife healthcare site which is where I usually get things but my braing is pea soup never mind fogged so ideas memory joggers would be a help.

I'm dreading having to give up work but it's looking more and more likely that I wont be able to do it much longer....I'm on day five of a major flare that started at work on Saturday....getting myself in a funk needin to snap out of it but at least a 'chat' with my aussie sister on facebook tonight helped...and her absolute shock and dread when I mentioned getting a dareway was hilarious

thanks

tricia

[FionaP]

Hi Tricia. You can request a visit through Social Services to be assessed for gadgets by their OT. I previously have had the perching stool, bath chair, rails and through a disability grant had a power shower and stair lifts. They can also advise on other equipment and where to get things from if they are not able to offer them free. It's made such a difference for the past 5 years. Good luck

[nickyf in reply to FionaP]

Hi FionaP, I've not realised Social Services did things like gadgets. I use a stick when out but still find that hard, indoors is another matter altogether, cant have a bath as cant get out and I've only got a silly shower that you have to hold yourself. will definitely give Social Services a call. Thank you

[FionaP in reply to nickyf]

They may even suggest things that you've not thought to mention. best of luck

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I have kids ... sorry i have one of those graber things but i also have a huby who hid my sticks in a cupbourd cose he had not seen them being used .... bless him good luck xx

[julie66]

Hi all,ive just been assets by social service for equipment ,they have got me a perching chair,grabber and step to get in and out of bath and also a bath seat .

The lady that came has also put me down to be moved to either a 2 bed bunglow or ground floor massanette as i'm having probleming using my stairs hoping the move will be soon .

I use a walkin stick out doors and find i'm in more pain when i get home so need to look at other ways to get about out doors xx

[FionaP in reply to julie66]

Hi Jules. I used a shopping trolley. there are so many out there now. The four wheeled ones are good and didn't make my hands and arms so bad. You will need to have a hefty handbag in so it has some weight though. Try some out in the shops, just put your bag in and walk around a little. (best tell a member of staff what you're doing first lol)

[julie66 in reply to FionaP]

Hi FionaP, i do use shopping trolly occasionally,but my walking long distance is getting less and less ,my mom lives 15 doors away from and that kills to walk that far ,have had to stop taking my son to school myself as its so painful to walk the short distance,my neice takes him at mine ,i'm trying to save for a mobility scooter so i can get out of the house , in process of filling out dla form to see if i can get that . Hope you have a pain free day soft hugs xx

[FionaP in reply to julie66]

Apply for an electric wheelchair through your health visitor at doctors surgery even if you get a buggy as the chair will only go in taxi's or cars adapted, far too heavy to lift.. Mine took a good year to get but worth the wait.

A buggy is great for occasional shopping but for everyday life the e-wheelchair is much more flexible. I got my buggy on-line and will give you the name of the company tomorrow. It is really versatile as comes apart for the car. Only no good in the rain. Cost me just £500 and have had it for five years now without a problem (worth getting a spare battery if you want to be out all day as you can stack them and just swap later).

[tiggerfan]

thanks to everyone for their replies and suggestions....have been thinking about a rollator Fiona,thought it might be more comfortable than the sticks.

will get in touch with Ot services and see what they say,definately nee a better bath chair the bath board just doesnt work anymore. think I need a bath lift.

I hadnt thought of a step for outside the bath Julie thats a great idea thanks!

I have suction grab rails that I didnt need to drill in to the walls to fix they're brill if you dont need them all the time as you can take them off and put them away.And they dont damage your tiles either.

[FionaP in reply to tiggerfan]

I used my bath board as a step!