Today I got some answers to my questions about Smiley's broken wheelchair and buggy. And basically it looks like her quality of life is in danger of being offered up to the gods of health and safety, as required by insurance companies, and the fear of litigation. It's not the fault of the team I met with this morning, they were very helpful, but I guess that it is not possible for them to go against the system.
Reading between the lines of what I was told this morning I discovered the following:
...Health and safety is probably why there are no spare wheelchairs for children with complex needs - because unless specifically prescribed for that child, there would be no insurance cover. So that means bed-rest and floor-time if her transport breaks.
...I may never get her buggy back even though I have offered to pay for the repairs myself. It is likely that the company fear that I will sue them if anything should happen to my daughter while she travels in it, as she is now marginally over the weight limit. I understand that. But weight limits all have a margin of error don't they? They must. Because that is how insurance companies work. That's how they keep claims low and profits high.
It was suggested that I should check out some wheelchair crash test videos on YouTube. Well no thanks, I worry enough about my daughter already. I know that Smiley is vulnerable. There are so many places where she is less safe than other people. I even worry about taking her on the boat, and how I would manage her in an emergency. To completely protect her, we'd never go anywhere, but what sort of a life would that be?
What I am looking for is something smaller and sturdier, that I can accessorise to suit the Irish weather, so that she can continue with the active life that she so enjoys :)
The company representative I met today was also helpful and together with the occupational therapist (OT) we have one possible plan. Her current wheelchair consists of a moulded seat and a frame. The OT would prefer her to continue to use this seat, so one solution may be to buy/make a new smaller frame and attach her existing seat to it. I should get news on this in a week or so, and in the meantime I have to meet with another company in a few days time.
Well that's another rant over, and I promise that as soon as something entertaining happens in my life, I will blog about it!
I cannot believe no one has thought of making a detachable hood for wheelchairs. It seems such an obvious necessity for people who either can't hold an umbrella or have no hands free as they are manoeuvreing (spelling?) their own wheelchairs.
ReplyDelete@Midlife Singlemum - apparently there is a company that does them in the UK, someone has given me the link, but I can't organise that until I know what equipment I will be using when I take her out and that is still up in the air now. It's all very messy!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a complete and utter nightmare! It's an insight into a totally different world and it makes one appreciate how easy most of us have it.
ReplyDeleteAs for 'entertaining blogging', this is highlighting very real issues for what no doubt affects a large number of children/young adults in Smiley's shoes. Don't apologise for that. :)
As for H&S, don't get me started. I hope you get some workable solutions soon x
I really hope you find a solution quickly. there must be something that works for your daughters need.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pain for you and Smiley. I hope the issue is resolved very soon. xx
ReplyDeleteSounds shitty and unnecessary! hope smiley gets her new seat soon x
ReplyDelete@Beadzoid - Yes health and safety rules our lives too much sometimes doesn't it? x
ReplyDelete@Þorgerður and @Di and @northernmum - I will find it a solution, but it may not be quick!
You are SO right to keep pushing for this, not just the buggy but the independence it affords Smiley...and YOU.
ReplyDeleteGo for it...and if you develop a prototype PATENT IT ;-)
xx Jazzy
@Jazztgal - Thanks for understanding :). And yes I love the idea of a special patented Smiley-buggy :)
ReplyDeleteNo wonder you hate the tick-box culture (as you commented on my blog). You've experienced so much of it with Smiley. I hope you get the wheelchair she needs very soon x
ReplyDelete@Jane Gregory - I won't give up anyway, that's for sure x
ReplyDeleteGawd... I hope you have some joy. I ended up self funding the wheelchair Dominic has, simply because he still wouldn't be mobile at 5 and a half if we were waiting for the wheelchair service. It's very frustrating. I really hope they find a suitable wheelchair, and quickly x
ReplyDelete@Renata - I may have to self-fund too, but even if I do I need OT input as I need to be sure that whatever I get is suitable and that there are no insurance implications! x
ReplyDelete