The Dogmother Posted November 5, 2015 Share Posted November 5, 2015 Some advice needed (apologies for the slightly long story): as some of you know, my mother has had a series of strokes and suffers from vascular dementia as a result. Formerly very fit, she is now pretty disabled (mentally and physically) and stiffens up if she isn't mobilised regularly. They have programme of marvellous carers and sitters who visit regularly through the day to get her up, washed dressed and toiletted etc Her sister is a retired teaching physio (was head at Guys Hospital) and she drew up a physio regime for the carers to help my dad with. As a result, she can walk along with help, and can be moved around more easily; my father is a pretty fit 83 year old, I am petite and between us, we can move her with ease and even had her sitting out in the garden in the summer The problem has occurred when one of the carers started to complain of a bad back, my aunt saw her helping my mother up and commented that she wasn't lifting correctly, and showed her how to do it properly. The care providing body fully supports my father in believing that mummy benefits from regular walking and physio, but were required to get an OT assessment; this assessment found that she shouldn't be walked at all, and should be moved everywhere with a hoist and wheelchair. This equipment has arrived, and in the couple of weeks that it has been used, she has started to seize up and stiffen again to the point where it is even hard to dress her to cap that all, she is terrified of hanging in this hoist. We now have an assessment from an independent physio, who has written in full support of keeping her mobile, and states that the hoist and chair aren't necessary for moving her around the house. The OT has taken offence at this and is refusing to budge, so we're getting nowhere Soooo.... the advice I am looking for is whether there's a way through this, if the physio's report should over-rule the OT's, and how to go about it. My aunt no longer practices as she's retired, and can't really offer her opinion as she's not exactly unbiased. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted November 5, 2015 Share Posted November 5, 2015 So sorry that you and your parents are having all this worry. No particular expertise in this area but have you spoken to your Ma's GP? A clued up GP is beyond price ( we are spoiled with ours but she is SO hard to get an appt with!!!) Perhaps your GP could 'mediate' and help to get things working properly for your parents? Good luck, M'dear! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 5, 2015 Author Share Posted November 5, 2015 Thanks I have suggested that to my dad, but he doesn't seem to think they will be much help. I will prod him again though. It's hard trying to sort things out form up here and mediate this stuff on the phone I am due down again next week though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapdragon Posted November 5, 2015 Share Posted November 5, 2015 Although there is 'patient confidentiality' I think that you could, if practical, make an appt with your parents's GP to discuss the situation in general as it wouldn't involve the GP giving any info out - which is here the confidentiality bit comes in! Hope all resolves soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 5, 2015 Author Share Posted November 5, 2015 Thanks. I have spoken the her old GP in the past, but this is a new one and not much use by all accounts. I may have to ask them for a call back, but at the moment, my dad is just asking for advice as to what to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted November 10, 2015 Share Posted November 10, 2015 I think DM that the OT will have assessed that the carers should not mobilise her to protect them from injury rather than your mother is not capable of walking and improving. She'll quickly lose the muscle mass you've built up during the summer if she's not moving. I would ask for a physio referral from the GP and request that the physio can liaise with the OT and care agency to draw up a safe manual handling plan to keep her moving. Good luck x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 10, 2015 Author Share Posted November 10, 2015 Yes, that's exactly what the OT is doing Plum, but instead of teaching the one carer who is moving her incorrectly how to do it properly, they have brought in this hoist, which is massive, and difficult to move around the house. Plus my mother is terrified of being suspended in it. She is easy enough to move; she weighs less than me now, and is very compliant. My dad is in his mid-80s and slightly built; he and I can easily move her together using the lifting belt to get her out of her chair. She has a chair which can rise up as well. The physio is an independent one, who my dad sourced off his own back as he wasn't getting anywhere with the surgery. At my behest, he is asking for the GP to pop in to see her, and is going to suggest that they set up a meeting between the OT, GP and Physio, so that the GP can read the reports, see her for themselves and make a decision on that basis. Two of the carers have very kindly offered to use their break times (thus off duty) while they are there to help him with M's physio, exercises and walking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted November 10, 2015 Share Posted November 10, 2015 Bless them it's good to hear that they care. I wouldn't mention it to the OT or she would probably stop them. The meeting sounds a good idea I hope it works out. Your mum will come to trust the hoist and it is scary to begin with. Have you tried one? I can see where the OT is coming from. Lifting over a couple of stone even if it feels light can cause damage to backs, shoulders etc and as a health professional it was a definite no as were lifting belts. But moving a hoist around in a confined space is equally as risky. Lets hope the physio can demonstrate to the other professionals that your mum can stand and transfer with minimal help with the appropriate equipment. There are other things apart from the hoist such as standaids, standing hoists, turntables, riser cushions etc., that are readily available now. The majority of physios I know are pretty feisty and eloquent and if on side should make a good case to support you and your dad's point of view. It is hard supporting from a distance but sounds like you're doing a great job with your dad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 10, 2015 Author Share Posted November 10, 2015 Thanks Plum I hope that it will go well. The carers demonstrated their moving technique using the belt (which the original OTs supplied some months ago) to the physio, and she was impressed with their technique. Sadly, the one who isn't lifting properly wasn't on duty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted November 10, 2015 Share Posted November 10, 2015 i can see from both sides. The hoists are scarey but in the right hands (and your carers sound brilliant and caring) your mum will get used to it. We used to put FIL in one for a bath as I was pregnant and OH couldnt lift on his own. Back probs are rife in carers (I should know). Hopefully they will all work together - your dad sounds very capable and is doing all the correct things. Difficult caring from a distance (I know that too) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 10, 2015 Author Share Posted November 10, 2015 Unfortunately, with dementia, there's no reasoning with her, and she shows no signs of getting used to it after a couple of weeks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted November 10, 2015 Share Posted November 10, 2015 Is it the one with seat or the belt affair which assuming it's still around does look more flimsy. Sorry to hear that. I was asking my aunt about getting a walk in shower sorted for uncle. I don't know if that is an option. You are between the devil and the sea here - to keep a little mobility is preferable but falls are a problem. My uncle who went in hospital quite mobile is now using a frame. And you have to think of your dad too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted November 10, 2015 Author Share Posted November 10, 2015 It is a large, wheeled hoist with a sling on it. They are using it to transfer her form her chair to the wheelchair or bed etc. She is well past having showers/baths; she is given a wash down every morning and evening. We have a hospital bed installed, a commode, nappies, everything needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
