Today I had a visit from an occupational therapist and a physiotherapist from my local Team for Adult Rehabilitation (STAR). What amazing people they were – so thorough, kind and helpful.
They advised me on walking stick height, exercise to improve balance, welfare rights, work life balance, issues with parking at work, slippers(!!), fatigue, vision and the importance of staying active. They are arranging for a hand rail to be fitted in my bathroom and have given me advice on walking up and down stairs. They were sympathetic and supportive when I became a little tearful.
I am keen to improve my general level of fitness (and to lose some weight) and am to be referred to a supported scheme at my local gym (funded by the NHS). I am also being referred for counselling.
I am amazed at the level of support available to me and feel so grateful that I live in a country that provides this safety net for people experiencing difficulties (I know we don’t always get this right for everyone). I struggle so much with asking for help but they totally understood that feeling. They encouraged me to make decisions for myself on my next steps and reassured me that accepting help enhances my independence, rather than reducing it.
Losing my independence is the thing I fear the most and they were able to help me to see that I can use this feeling in a positive way, to give me the determination to keep living my best life!
