OT Referral / Blue Badge

[kikimouse17]

I am in the process of applying for PIP and my GP practice social worker recommended getting help from my local Citizens Advice when filling in the form

I saw them yesterday and they were really helpful. They recommended I get referred through my GP for an OT house call.

Has anyone had one and what sort of things can they help with in relation to Fibromyalgia?

She also said I should apply for a Blue Badge so I will book in again to look at that.

Again has anyone applied for / got this?

I feel like there is a lot of help out there but I don’t always know about it or think that it is available to me! Is there anything else I should be looking into?

Thank you so much

Brenda

[Dinkie]

Blue Badge is normally a simple on line application form. Sometimes they will call you in for a chat and an informal assessment. With my badge the OT watched me walk from reception to the room for the interview. She asked how I managed at work, with shopping etc. Then she watched me again as I left the building. The badge arrived 10 days later.

With PIP have a look at the on line questions for PIP, easy to fill in and will give you an idea of whether or not you will qualify for PIP. Benefits and Work have a quick assessment on their website and so do many other charities. It's not what you write but the words used that can make all the difference so help and advice with the PIP application is recommended. There are also several companies that will do the form for you, obviously these are businesses and will charge for their services. Often helps with PIP to have statements from friends or relatives who know you well and can give examples of how you manage your day to day life.

Good luck

[kikimouse17 in reply to Dinkie]

Thank you so much. ♥️

[Seascapes31]

Hiya Occupational therapists can help with different adaptation around the house, for eg rails in your bathroom and shower, on the stairs, or stair lifts if appropriate. They make sure everything is measured specifically for you. Sometimes they can access local authorities grant in order to adapt your bathroom to a wet room if this is needed. So if you start thinking about how you manage around the house and any particular difficulties eg a large step down outside your house, they can provide an extra step so that it's safer.

Hope this helps, and of course it's nhs so free and professional. 👍

[kikimouse17 in reply to Seascapes31]

Thank you so much that’s super helpful!

[Seascapes31 in reply to kikimouse17]

You're very welcome, hope it all goes well x

[BottomleyPotts50]

Hi there. Yes, I have had OT referral. They came to house and I now have several adaptions made to help me. Handrail on stairs so I now have two, which is a huge help. I have a grab rail at my back door as I have steps. I have a perch stool when ironing or cooking. I also have a bed rail to help pull myself out of bed. These are small changes but help me hugely. The OT also made suggestions which helped reduce the amount of ironing I have. Great service!

[kikimouse17 in reply to BottomleyPotts50]

Oh thank you that’s great to know! I am quite anxious about it all and wasn’t sure if I should even be asking for it. Is good to know it helps!

[Jellybean44]

When the OT came out to me she assessed from my difficulties that I needed equipment to help me in the house. I got second handrail on my stairs. I got a shower seat, a perching stool, and a trolley table to carry dinner plates etc as my hands can be a problem carrying stuff. We discussed bathroom but I already have a higher toilet and no bath due to not being able to get in and out of the bath safely. I hope this helps.

[kikimouse17 in reply to Jellybean44]

Thank you so much that’s all really helpful. I think I’ll need most of these!!