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OT Assessment

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sarah93199
sarah93199

Not really sure where I should post this so please bear with me. I have cerebral palsy and chronic mental health issues. I live alone but finding it extremely difficult to manage day to day living. This is due to both a combination of my physical impairment and mental state. My cp makes it impossible to have a bath (I have no shower) and things like taking rubbish to the bin is too difficult due to the weakness in my arms. I am severely depressed which makes it worse. E.g stopped washing clothes etc. Anyway am under the care of mental health team but they basically ignore my disability. I get very annoyed and they think I 'manage'. Psychiatrist did finally refer me for a home OT Assessment which apparently will be done by the mh team. I am so worried about letting them in my home its in a terrible state and I know I will be soon evicted if it doesn't get cleaned up. I'm terrified.

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • linda83225
    linda83225 sarah93199

    Posted

    Dear Sarah, so sorry about your problems. Your GP should I think refer you to OT and you should be able to discuss your concerns with your doctor. However I do know that not all GPs do what they are supposed to. I googled cerebel palsey and there are several organisations offering advice etc. If you haven't done this please do so. The OT assessor needs to see your home to be able to judge what can be done to help you. If it's in a state it is because you cannot manage and they need to see this.Hope you get some better help soon.

    • sarah93199
      sarah93199 linda83225

      Posted

      Thank you for your response Linda. I tend to avoid my GP due to having such difficult time getting an appointment, seeing one that is any good. Been meaning to change my practice for a while now.
  • lesley99237
    lesley99237 sarah93199

    Posted

    Hi Sarah,

    I am a retired OT with experience in both MH and physical disability.

    This is a very brief answer to your query but I hope you find it helpful. The aim of OTs is to enable people to achieve their optimum ability, independence and self esteem. They do that by helping with equipment which might help you to do things more easily; by altering your environment to make things easier for you to manage and maybe by helping you to do things differently (different methods, different times, different order, etc). Obviously, a thorough assessment is the first step and then you and they  can agreee how to proceed. What is most important? What do you want to tackle first? I am sure you will find their intervention helpful and a really positive experience. Best wishes.

    • sarah93199
      sarah93199 lesley99237

      Posted

      Thank you Lesley for your response. I think my biggest concern is being judged. I feel very ashamed of my situation and worried what they will think of me.
  • robin20057
    robin20057 sarah93199

    Posted

    Can you pay someone to clean your house?  If not, don't worry.  They will see you need help and can have a home agency come in weekly or how many times you can afford.  If money is tight, there is medicaid to pay for such help.  A social worker would come out and assess and get you going from there.  You wouldn't be thrown out.  With the physical disability you just need help with it being no fault of your own.

  • lesley99237
    lesley99237 sarah93199

    Posted

    No-one is going to judge you. The OT only wants to help you get to a place where you feel happy and in control.
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