Advice on head support on perch stool

[Cinderella80]

Hi friends my mum has PSP and I am her only carer. I would love some ideas if anyone knows of any perch stools available with a neck and head support. I try to brush her teeth in the bathroom but the OT has given us a perch stool with a very low back. Her back and head arch backwards and I am unable to brush her teeth properly or wash her face. Even with the shower chair it has a back but not a neck and head support to keep her upright. It's so difficult to manage on my own to wash and bathe her. If anyone is going through the same thing and have any ideas I would be grateful.Unfortunatly our OT has since left and no one has contacted us for a replacement so we will have to find some solutions ourselves. I would be extremely grateful for any help Thankyou.

[Gymsack]

Look at wheel chair headrests. There is probably a business near you that sells and repairs wheel chairs . They will probably have headrests . If they do take the stool and if you can also your mother into them and have them install one to suit her . If you dont have transport tell them to come get you, they probably have a wheel chair accessible vehicle.

[Kasenda]

Hi Cinderella80Does she have a profile bed? If not maybe the new OT will organise one for you. I normally sit my husband up in bed to do his face and teeth. I also manage to wash his hair this way. Another suggestion is Tena wash cream that will clean and moisturise the skin at the same time without using water for when showering becomes difficult. All the best.

[AJK2001]

Don't wait for a new OT to contact you, you need to get in touch with the OT department & explain your issues and ask for a reassessment. It may not need different equipment but a different way of doing things. Another thought is your Mum's shower chair the right size? I hadn't realised they come in different sizes and as Mum lost weight we had to get her a smaller chair. This meant she sat better and safer.

[WifeLilyRose in reply to AJK2001]

Exactly! Don’t wait for anyone to contact you! You need to get a contact name at your council social services department and say you need an up to date assessment of your mum’s care needs urgently. You should not have to be improvising with your own ideas of equipment. A professional OT must be involved , giving you and your mum ongoing support. Hassle your GP too. Have you and your mum got the same one? And demand to know what support now and in the future your mum has a right to. It is utterly exhausting but the only way as the disease progresses. Keep a record of any changes in your mum ( dated ) and the name and status of everyone who contacts you.

[Stephanielayell82]

We have used the bed because that is where my loved o e has the best posture. We use a water pic for rinsing out her mouth with a bowl to catch the water. She has a hospital bed. But you need to call and get OT to help you for sure.

[Mpsp]

Overcomes head drop,allows eye contact,socialisation,medication and feeding.

Halo headrestraint,has a body belt with a connected stay that runs up against the spine.