Hi
Well, just to update had my Home F2F this morning (My area is dealt with by ATOS) and here is my assessment of how things went!
Initially my appt. time was between 10:30 - 12:30 - The phone rang at 09:20, and I panicked, told my partner, who had booked a half days leave that I thought it would be call to say they had cancelled - But no, it was actually the assessor who had said an appointment had been cancelled, and would it be OK if he arrived earlier as he was only 10 mins away from me - I told him that would be OK.
When he arrived, I answered the door to him as knew he was going to want to see how I walked, and told him we would go through to the Dining Room if that was OK as had a table if he needed it for his laptop, which was fine.
He explained why he was here, and what the assessment was for and said there were 4 sections and that he want to carry out some 'physical' aspects to assess me.
The first part was about my condition and the effects it had on me - Now, I was a little concerned as he didn't pronounce it right, but that is not uncommon and he discussed the common generalities - Muscle weakness, neurological/nerve damage, but I had to raise the point that I also had sensory loss/feedback in my hands/feet etc - Also that it affected my lower limb areas, ie below my elbows and knees - Will come back to his 'Specialism' later!
The second part was who I was seen by - Advised I saw my Consultant on a yearly review basis, but that I could arrange an appointment in the interim if my condition deteriorated, my GP on a review basis due to my meds etc, the orthotist on a ad-hoc basis for relining/changing straps on my leg splint, or if a new one was needed, new insoles etc, podiatrist every 12 weeks etc.
The third section was about the meds I was on, how frequently/dose/side effects etc - Will come back to this later!
The fourth part was the sections on the form.
Prepping Food - Asked if I cook, advised as I had put in the form that I didn't as issues with my wrist/hand weakness and manual dexterity, knives slipping due to grip/sense etc, lifting/carrying/draining - same issues also my instability with my walking/loss of balance: Now, here's where it gets interesting - He said that the whole idea of PIP was to ensure people could live independently: Had we heard of lightweight saucepans/double grip handle/baskets that vegetables etc could be placed into to be cooked and lifted out allowing for the water to cool down before tipping it away, and that can be easily slid across from hob to counter that are widely available, also hand choppers - I said we were but that due to my sensory loss I am not aware of how hot things are, and have scalded/burnt myself in the past - So be interesting to see what the report says.
Nutrition - Told him used 'special' grip cutlery, but due to hand tremors spilt stuff so used a tea-towel down my front etc, and due to hand cramps/spasms still dropped things - So not sure how he will mark that one. Only after he left, from the notes my partner took although he made reference to me transferring the food to my mouth (FAR to much usually - ha-ha!), he made no ref to cutting things up.
Treatments - Asked why I used a dossette box, could I not open blister packs etc - Told him that due to the amount of meds I take I forget if I've taken the mid-morning does or mid-afternoon dose, and that the dossette acts as a visual reminder - Didn't seem concerned with the explanation, my partner did step in at this point and say that when I needed to add strong painkillers to my regime when needed they left me drowsy and a bit 'fuzzy headed' and that although I used the alarm on my phone, would also ring me to remind that the extra meds needed to be taken - Especially as some of the additional meds couldn't be taken within so many hours of my usual meds - At this point, the MA said 'Oh, by the way did I tell you I am a nurse, I have 30 years experience, I can't remember if I told you that at the start?'! Then, he said 'I would recommend that you take X first thing in the morning....' I advised that I took Y at 08:30 - 16:00 - 23:30 every day and that X should not be taken within at least 2 hours of Y! So will be interested what is stated on the report.
The only other 2 issues (as realise how long this is!)
Bathing - Advised that my partner had to assist me getting in/out bath to steady me even with the grabrail fitted - MA said 'We don't consider your partners help?? Have you not got a bathboard fitted as this means you can get in/out the bath without having to lift your legs by yourself' advised him that I have a bath in the morning as I had said on the form, as helps my muscles/tendons relax but that I am more unstable/unsteady and prone to stumbling - MA said that they have to consider adaptations that were 'reasonable' to purchase & available to help independent living!
13 & 14 - This really confused me - MA appeared to suggest that I would not be considered under this (13) - As I pointed out yes, I could plan a route but that because of my tripping/falling issues I did not go out without my partner or friend etc - He seemed to infer that it was not an issue as I could go out in my car (It is adapted) meaning I can drive point A to point B then I assume I drive home without getting out of my car at point B? He appeared to be suggesting that I could safely navigate, but then seemed to suggest I had issues with my balance/mobility as he even commented on how weak my legs were, and could see why I had following a DVLA driving assessment had adapted foot controls fitted - Sooo this left me feeling somewhat confused!
FINALLY - He did carry out very simple 'physical' exam - Grip test (my hand went into spasm/cramp while doing it - He apologised, I said it happens all the time!), the old, push hands up/down against his, ankle flexions - He did ask if I was able to stand and forward bend, but think he realised I was unable to do this without the support of my sticks, and he said think trying to squat is out of the question so that's OK - My partner did note that he said it was OK and didn't expect me to do it - Well, just don't want anything saying I refused his request!
So, he came for an hour and went so just the wait now - He did say that the DWP have advised that they are not to give any timescale on when/how long it will be before a decision is made after he has completed and passed his report back due to a backlog!
Anyway apologies if this has sent you all into a coma! Just want to add my thanks to all the team at B&W for all the invaluable guides, assistance etc - If there are any queries, please ask I'm off to get a coffee and a bit of a relax!
Shauny
