"They made things easier and safe for me"

My private neuro physiotherapist asked my GP to refer me to Occupational Health for any assistance they could give to enable me to remain in my own home following a diagnosis of atypical Parkinson's and peripheral neuropathy.  

Natalie (OT) attended in May and spent time with me to see what was required to help with my poor mobility and stability, and arranged  for a bed lever, perching stools and a wheeled Zimmer frame to be supplied. She also spent time with me guiding me on a shower with grab rails I was having installed.

Natalie made a return visit in June to assess how I was getting on with the perching stools and bed rail. At the same time she chased up a wheeled Zimmer frame and trolley. She also suggested a floor to ceiling grab pole for the bathroom but I had already purchased one as I was unware the NHS did them. Natalie also made suggestions for a shower stool/chair but the ones available to her were not suitable.

Eva (Rehab) attended in July and spent spent time adjusting the height of the Zimmer frame and observing me in using it correctly. Eva also did the same with the trolley. Eva then made two follow up calls to see how I was getting on.

Eva made a visit in August to change the Zimmer frame for a larger one. As she found the gliders she had been supplied with were to big for the Zimmer frame she spent time taking the ones off the smaller frame and fitting them to the larger one. She then observed me in the proper use of the frame.

In September Eva brought with her toilet frames for the bathroom and cloakroom, and adjusted their height to fit. At the same time she checked how I was getting on with the Zimmer frame and trolley. She also observed some difficulty I was having in the kitchen and sitting in my lounge, and would arrange another visit with Natalie (OT) to see if the could come up with some suggestions.

Both Natalie and Eva returned on the end of September and made suggestions on how I could do things in the kitchen to reduce the risk of falls. They arranged for another perching stool for the kitchen, and also some chair raisers for a chair in my lounge.

On each occasion I have found both Natalie and Eva to be punctual and polite, knowledgeable on what can be supplied, to make sure that the equipment is adjusted properly, to instruct in their proper use, and to ensure there is nothing further they can do to make things easier and safe for me to remain in my own home.

They are a credit to the NHS.