Help preparing for husbands discharge

[pozza40]

So we are now moving towards my husbands discharge next month and whilst I can’t wait to have him home, I am terrified too.

We have had an occupational therapist round the house and they don’t think it’s the most suitable place for him, and we are going to have a video meeting next week to discuss options. I can’t fathom what they mean by options.

I am so worried about how I am going to manage to look after him, he isn’t maintaining sitting up well enough to be in a wheelchair,he has a big padded recliner one at the hospital and he is hoisted in and out of bed and onto a commode. Our house isn’t that big and the hallway and doorways are narrow even for a standard wheelchair.

He doesn’t recognise his disability and tells me,”they don’t let him walk because it’s dangerous but once he is home he be alright”. I honestly think I won’t be able to go to sleep for fear that he is going to try and get out of the bed and walk.

Can anyone give me some guidance,if you’ve experienced the same sort of thing

[Marnie22]

Hi. I don't have any experience of anything like this, but I can highly recommend the Headway helpline on 0808 800 2244.They are great with all kinds of information and also with general support.

I hope everything goes as well as it can. 🙂🌸

[New_beginning]

They may suggest adaptations to be made requires more room for moving and handling or thinking of different specialist equipment. Dont be too concerned a Occupational Therapist is great and well experienced in this line of supporting this transition. They may suggest DFG which they do the application for funding think up to 30k, Local Authority pay not you.

The down side is the waiting game and what be proposed to you during that time if major adaptations required.

Im anxious for you but at the same time so pleased your husband is coming home. The first 6mths is tough, and its emotionally and physically exhausting. It will be harder for you, the occupational therapist will be on hand prior, during with moving and handling safely like repositioning as you need to stay safe and prevent injuries i.e your back.

Think positive your husband has proven anything is possible, just be a matter of a creative spin on how to move forward x

[cat3]

Pozza, don't be too daunted by the 'options' comment. Your OT will be wanting to make your husband's care easier by looking at possible Disability Funding for such things as extra handrails or (temporarily) using a downstairs room for sleeping so you can keep an eye on your husband and see to his needs without endless trips up & down stairs. If there's no ground floor toilet a commode could be provided along with any other necessary equipment.

It's all about enabling everyday care with minimum labour and maximum efficiency, and looking at extra help for your man's mobility. Taking on a caring role is saving your local authority a hefty sum so don't be afraid to voice your practical/physical concerns and apprehensions. Take it one day at a time and shout up if you feel anything's been overlooked.

Hope things turn out better than you expected m'love.... x