The Occupational Therapist (OT) came to the house today. It is difficult to know what needs doing to the house in the long term as the next few weeks/months will be key in knowing how well she is going to get about, but the OT measured chairs, doorways, steps so a further visit shouldn’t be necessary.

It was clear that kp wouldn’t be able to get from the wheelchair to the settee unless she can transfer herself and that is quite a few weeks off. This means the visit home she had mentally in her mind will mean she has to stay in the wheelchair for the taxi-ride home and the visit itself. After speaking to kp, she didn’t seem very keen on this and would rather wait until she can get on the settee.

For the physio session today, the OT was present and we practiced getting Karen sitting over the end of the bed. The idea being, that if we can get Karen on the edge of the bed, she can wash her face, clean her teeth etc without needing to go in the hoist. This maneuvre needs 2 people, and the first time the physio did it with the OT’s help. The second time, I did it with the OT’s help which is important if we are going to be able to do it at any time of the day.

kp was well impressed with the fact we can now get her on the edge of the bed and the maneuvre feels quite a smooth one.

After the physios left, kp wanted some lunch and agreed to sit on the hard chair and sit upright. This strengthens torso-based muscles without her even realising they are being taxed. She coped really well with it and after 5-10 mins was balancing subconcsciously.

We then had a snooze until Nigel and Terry arrived (2pm).

Nigel :- Hiya Karen, we have brought you some Belgian Chocolates from Asda.
kp :- Nige, you’re supposed to say “we have brought you some Belgian Chocolates”. Don’t be saying which supermarket you bought them at.

We had lots of laughs (and some serious talk) with Nige and Terry, before they had to go and visit Nige’s dad who has just had a pacemaker fitted in another hospital. Wishing you well Mr Gibbs Senior.

That’s it for today. kp is well, a bit tired today generally, but still in a great frame of mind.