We had some sunshine today, a rare sight. But very cold. Helen came by briefly with her dog Farouk, on their way to Kirkmichael. If all is well there, she will still be very much colder. She wanted to check up on everything after their recent rushed departure —with no heat, no light.
I’ve had a dull, low-spirited day. Again, I am very grateful for your comments. Yes, I had lung trouble last year and the anaesthetist was unhappy about surgery. I’ve been better for several months. If we could figure out a way to get me up and down the six steps at the door, I could be ported over to Drummond Place Gardens from time to time. And if the wheelchair could be mechanised I could get about the house somewhat. Those two sources of relief might suffice.
Not much knitting. I started on it bravely after I finished my morning exercises, but the cat jumped on my lap and after she left I dozed a bit and then Helen came…and there’s another day gone.
I am worrying about the world like everyone else, hoping at least to improve my grasp of Middle Eastern geography before things settle down. Oman? Yemin? Helen and David and Archie are going to Cairo next week, a rather alarming prospect.
She and Archie went to a rather wonderful-sounding Macbeth last night.
Wordle: easy-peasy again. Every single one of us — and all have been heard from — scored three today, except for poor Thomas who crept home with five.
I can understand your problems with the steps and wonder if you could purchase a ramp ? And also a wheelchair with very good brakes but as you say an electric one is the way to go I think .my mum had to live in a care home which was small and very good but she always said there’s no place like your own home . In her case that was the best choice for her particular circumstances.
ReplyDeleteI found an occupational therapist most helpful in figuring out how to do tasks such as working in the kitchen, getting in and out of a car, and going up or down the stairs into our home. Your description of your entry stairs sounds much like ours: concrete, three steps (of considerable width and relatively easy rise), and with a rail along one side. Could you have an occupational therapist visit you to teach you how you can manage better in your home?
ReplyDeleteI understand the desire to stay in your own home. Congregate living is not for everyone.
I'm not sure if you can see my comments. I had a quick look online for 'outdoor stairlifts UK cost'. They seem to start at £2500 but might this be an affordable cost? I'd think one that would take a wheelchair would be more but you'd be able to get out and about . I'd also think that you would get planning approval if needed. Jackie
ReplyDeleteI’ve not read everyone’s comments previously and you may have already considered this…… If you were to ask the Health and Social Care Department (Social Work) to come along and explain Self Directed Support (SDS) you should be entitled to funding towards your care at home and liaise with Occupational Health professionals regarding the external steps.
ReplyDeleteGiven that it is January, perhaps work on the powered chair first. That would give you a little more independence within your own home. I see more and more people out and about on chairs of different sizes so they must be readily available. The steps are obviously a bigger issue, but it could be April before the weather is inviting enough to want to access the garden.
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