Tonight I’m asking a specific prayer request. I’m hitting the wall as I push for a simple changes in Vernon’s care, so a little Supernatural Assistance would be marvelous about now!
Actually, I don’t know for sure how important (or possible) this change would be. But I strongly believe that it would make a big difference in his recovery as well as awareness if he were allowed to sit in a wheelchair again.
As you know, Vernon spends most of each day in a reclining Geri-chair—that is, when he isn’t lying down in the bed. When he fell out of his wheelchair and was sent to the ER with a bleeding head, it was decided that he was no longer safe in the high-backed chair, especially with his restless body and punchy limbs.
Safety first, of course. I understand that, but for months, I have noticed little change in his cognition and awareness. He has become weaker and is often tired and uncooperative during his PT sessions. In my last post, I mentioned the swallowing issues. I think with a more upright posture, he would be more prone to improvements in these areas. After all, when he was sitting up in the past, he seemed more aware and awake and willing to work.
I’ve asked over and over if he could use a seat belt in the chair for his own safety. It would make easier work for the staff, who have to park him by the nurse’s station just to keep an eye on him.
BUT it is illegal for the care home to use restraints on any patient, even if I, his wife, give permission. This is something they all take very seriously.
But yesterday, I received a call that Vernon took a tumble out of his recliner. So he isn’t safe in that anymore. They took x-rays of the hip bone he was complaining about, and thankfully, he was fine. When I met him this morning, someone had jacked up pillows all around him to keep him snug in his seat. But it didn’t take long for him to start pitching himself over the side of that too.
Instead of that being a scare, I see this as an opportunity to request a wheel chair with seat belt again. I’ve spoken the his case manager and the Director of PT, again requesting that he be allowed to sit up in a wheel chair. Though they made it clear that restraints cannot be used in this place under any circumstances, we have made a care plan meeting for this Friday, hoping to work out something. For example, I might be allowed to sit with him, supervising constantly, if he were allowed to sit up in a proper wheel chair.
Again, I do believe that sitting up straight, even for a couple of hours a day, will make a big difference to his recovery and cognition. It’s a gut feeling, more than anything, and I want to at least TRY.
So this is where I appeal for your prayers and hope. I don’t see how else this is going to turn around. And something needs to change. Somehow. This seems like a good place to start.
135
I will be praying for this!
Yes! We will be praying for a POSITIVE meeting regarding this seatbelt issue! Makes perfect sense!
Lord PLEASE make this happen! Amen! xo
I don’t know what your insurance is, but the proper seating is the best solution. I know a wheelchair seating specialist. Email me and I can refer you to the right person. Judi. Burnscln@pacbell.net
Allison,
I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know, but we serve a God who specializes in the ‘impossible.’ Praying for Him to open the way as you meet with the case worker. Continuing to pray for Vernon as well as you and the kids.
I will pray for you. For this.
PRAYING ..PRAYING ..PRAYING very ,very hard xx .wish i could be sat with him xx
xx love to you all xx
Howard and I are praying, Allison
Alison, has the OT looked properly at the seat of his whealchair? He could be uncomfortable which would make him shift and move around and fall. A seat/cushion that is made to fit perfectly can sometimes be so effective that a seatbelt isn’t even neccessary.
xo
will definitely pray that way with you…I think you’re on to something!
Praying for this right now…
praying! Keep paying attention to those gut feelings – they are important. The doctors and nurses and caregivers know the medicine and care side, but you know Vernon and that’s a huge part of the equation.
Of course Alison! Praying. Look forward to the outcome. Xx
Praying for a perfect care plan for Vernon! Continue being Vernon’s advocate-you know him better than anyone! Hugs from WY.
Oh Allison -We are praying for breakthroughs on all fronts. Today we ask for the wheelchair and seatbelt, Lord have mercy on Vernon! Give Allison a glimpse of Hope in this area of recovery!!XXOO
Praying now. I also agree with checking out the seat of Vernon’s WC, there are foam pads that he could use, especially since he has lost so much weight, not much padding on his backside. The “no restraint” rule makes sense in the bigger picture, however, if the alternative is to keep Vernon in bed all day that seems to defeat the goal of his recovery. Sometimes it just comes down to the case load and what makes the most sense for the greatest # of clients, but might not be in Vernon’s best interest. Trust those gut feelings and fight graciously, but adamantly for his care.
continuing prayers…
Your request made me think of the Bumbo seat for babies where the weight of their torso holds them in place because of the positioning of their legs. I wondered if there was a similar cushion that could be used on a wheelchair (or if there was a wheelchair with a seat made with those principles). I found this website http://www.rehabmart.com/category/Wheelchair_Positioning.htm that has many types of support, some restraints, but many are not restraints. Maybe there would be something there that would meet Vernon’s needs and the facility’s requirements?
Prayers that the staff will understand your “gut feeling” and work with you to find the best solution.
Will definitely pray for these things you requested!!!! God come, move mountains this Friday when they have the meeting!!!! Sweet pictures of daughter loving on her daddy……
i will join you in prayer.
Praying for a breakthrough!
Allison,
Prayers are going up for Vernon at this particular time. Our hope is that Vernon improves and can go home soon.
You are in our prayers.
Becky
Bad rules, this one no doubt reflecting fear of lawsuits, need to be changed. Keep nagging there, dear niece, and we’ll keep nagging (heaven) from here.