My Life being Disabled 30/12/07

I asked the nurse, this morning, if I could go to NETTOS. She said my carers were busy because there are people staying with us that are on Respite (disabled people that live at home and their Carers are having a rest). It's now 15:15 and I have not gone. I've been using my computer and burning "NOW 68" CD.

My Life being Disabled 29/12/07

This morning my nurse attempted to give me a bladder wash but it failed so she said she would try again after my shower. It failed again so she changed my catheter.

My Life being Disabled 28/12/07

The Life Skills Co-ordinator asked me this morning if she could take my library book back. I told her that I've extended the loan period and I would like to go with her. She said if I go she will have to take a carer with us ? I told her I wanted to get another library book so she is going to try another day, possibly Wednesday.

My Life being Disabled 27/12/07

I woke up at 06:30 because I had a hospital appointment for 10:35 with the Orthitics(appliances) to get a new pair of black shoes. I need a pair of shoes because I am going on Work experience with the Jobcentre organised by Remploy. I called my nurse to have a bladder wash then I had a shower. I got dressedand went to the dining room to have my breakfast. I had to be ready for 08:30 for the ambulance but at 09:30 my nurse decided to phone the hospital. They said they hadn't organised transport and cancelled my appointment. They would organise another one with transport. Then an ambulance came to take me to the hospital but wshen we got there my appoitment was cancelled ! Luckily they accepted my explanation and I had my feet measured. My new shoes will be ready at the end of January. The hospital will give me another appointment(with transport). I extended my library book because no-one would take me today.

My Life being Disabled 26/12/07

I remembered today that I have to take my library book back but the library does not open until 27/12/07 and I'm going to the hospital tomorrow to see the Orthitics (they look after my feet because after my stroke one of my feet is paralysed so I have to have special shoes). My appointment is at 10:35 and an ambulancse is booked.

My Life being Disabled 25/12/07

This morning the nurse woke me up at 09:15 to give me a bladder wash. I get a bladder wash on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday to wash my bladder because my catheter is getting blocked with grit. After I cleaned my teeth, shaved, showered and got dressed I went to the dining room and had my breakfast. A carer told me that we were having Xmas lunch early at about 12:00. I stayed in the dining room. We had a choice of prawn cocktail or tomato soup,turkey, Xmas pudding, mince pie and coffee.
After that we went to the cinema lounge to watch films.

My Life being Disabled 24/12/07

I asked the nurse if I could go to the Fitness Centre but after asking all the Carers she told me that nobody wanted to take me. She told me that the Care home would give me the money that I paid in subscriptions. Plus in the New Year she was going to tell Wheelchair Services that my independence was suffering because nobody would take out except in the mini-bus.

My Life being Disabled 23/12/07

I asked the nurse if I could go to the Fitness Centre tomorrow because it is closed on Wednesday(Xmas Day). She said she would leave an entry in their diary for tommorow nurse. I said I would like to go tommorrow because I'm going to the hospital on Thursday.

My Life being Disabled 22/12/07

I went to the library this morning because the book I borrowed had to be returned on 25/12/07. But the library was closed and we couldn't read the notice on the door. On reading the information on the internet I found the library is open:
Monday 09:00 - 12:30 and 13:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 12:30 and 13:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 12:30 and 13:00 - 19:30
Thursday 09:00 to 12:30 and 13:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 12:30 and 13:00 - 16:30

This bank holidays it is closed 24/12/07 - 26/12/07 and 30/12/07 - 01/01/08

Tel: 01226 712575

My Life being Disabled 21/12/07

Today was my Care homes Xmas dinner. All the residents, who capable of travelling, went to a public house just outside of Grimethorpe called DARDS. We had a choice of starters, soup or prawn cocktail, turkey etc., christmas pudding, mince pies, after eight mints and coffee. It was good my only complaint was there was too much gravy. Speaking to the landlord I found out he is going to convert a toilet into a disabled toilet with a hoist !

My Life being Disabled 20/12/07

This morning I asked the nurse to chase my wheelchair repair people and ask when are they coming back to get my indoor powerchair working again. They came out on Friday 14/12/07 but did not fix it. He said he would try something at their HQ first and return on Tuesday. I also asked to return my library book but my nurse said the life skills co-ordinator is very busy today. She's organising our Xmas Party today. Later on 15:30 a carer aske me to go to the Xmas party, it started at 15:00 but they forgot about me. The music was very loud and I didn't enjoy it. It finished at 17:00. The nurse told me that the wheelchair repair people couldn't repair my indoor powerchair so they have to get authority from Wheelchair Services to adapt my indoor powerchair.

My Life being Disabled 19/12/07

This afternoon I went to the Fitness Centre. I did 3 rounds of excercises. Next week I am going to try and go on Xmas Eve (Monday) because they are closed on Xmas day & Boxing Day.

My Life being Disabled 18/12/07

This morning I had a bladder wash because my doctor said I should have one every two days.

My Life being Disabled 17/12/07

This morning I got two letters, one from the DVLA informing me that I no longer owm my Mobility vehicle and one from the Electoral Services with a application form to vote using the postal services.

My Life being Disabled 16/12/07

I finished my Powerpoint presentation "MY LIFE BEING DISABLED" for the assistant manager of my Care home.

My Life being Disabled 15/12/07

I started looking at TQM.

My Life being Disabled 14/12/07

After lunch somebody came to look at my indoor wheelchair. It has not worked since I moved Care homes in September. He found the cath on my moulded seat does not work and my charger is missing. He will look into my catch problem at their HQ and will get another chager for me.

My Life being Disabled 13/12/07

After lunch I had a appointment with the Occupational Theripist at Pinderfiels Hospital to get a new splint. She made a new one and she advised me to wear it on night. Previouly she had told me to wear it during the day. She said she will phone after a weekto ensure that ceverythings alright. I will get another appointment after 3 months.

My Life being Disabled 12/12/07

I am suppose to go to the Fitness Centre on a Wednesday afternoon but the senior nurse told me that nobody would take me ! It is difficult to push my wheelchair. At 18:00 we had a Carol service where a band played Xmas carols.

My Life being Disabled 11/12/07

This morning my nurse tried to give me a bladder wash but I was by-passing so she had to change my catheter. Later on we went to Morrisons and I bought some more Christmas cards. I spent this afternoon working on the web site for my Care home.

My Life being Disabled 10/12/07

I emailed Alliance & Leicester this afternoon:-

Firstly, I'm using your Email address because it is the only I can find for Alliance & Leicester. My complaint is I phoned you on 0870 3333444 at 13:42 this afternoon 10/12/07 to enquire what this payment from my account was. The payment reads:-
08 DEC 2007
CARD PMNT 07DEC CLUBPREM.COM
£9.95 But your adviser was unabled to log on to your computer and asked me to phone back in about thirty minutes. She could not tell me if your system would be working and she would not return my call. This phone call cost me £2.00 and lasted 8 minutes and 47 secounds. The service you gave was disgusting !

To make matters worse the chiropidist came to cut my toenails she charge £18 for 10 minutes work !

My Life being Disabled 09/12/07

I've been working on my powerpoint presentation. Today when I checked my bank account a company called PremierClub had taken a sum of money out of my account. I emailed them to find out what this for.

My Life being Disabled 06/12/07

This morning I got up at 06:00 because I had an appointment with Wheelchair Services in Sheffield at 09:45. The letter said be ready at 08:00. The ambulancecame at 09:30 and I arrived at 10:15. Wheelchair Services were expecting me to bring my indoor powerchair but my senior nurse had condemned it. I explained this to Wheelchair Services but they wanted to know why the senior nurse did not tell them. I didn't know as well ! They examined my moulded seat but said in Sheffield they use a different manufacturer. We discussed the plan of actions, which are:-

1. Get my indoor powerchair working again. - to be completed this week
2. Get a new moulded seat. - appointment for 16/01/08
3. Get a new indoor powerchair(can be used externally).
4. Pass my Electronically Powered Indoor/Outdoor Chair (EPIOC) assessment.
5. Convert my indoor powerchair to an indoor/outdoor powerchair.

In the afternoon I put in a bid, on E-bay, for a 4 kg dumb bell of £2.50 the bidding ends at 16:00 10/12/07
10/12/07

My Life being Disabled 05/12/07

Last night the National Media Museum phoned to say thankyou for my complements which I gave after I went there to see a film in 3D.

I went to the Fitness Centre this afternoon, paid my monthly subscription and my instructor increased my excercises. When I came back I emailed Barnsley Council again about the cstate of the footpath outside my Care home.

Can you add this to my complaint about the pavement in Elizabeth Street, Grimethorpe. For the past 2 days a wall in this street has been demolished and the rubble has been put on the pavement. There some building bricks, concrete but the main item about my complaint is a very large concrete block which nearly makes it impossible to get pass on the pavement for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

My Life being Disabled 04/12/07

This morning I returned my book to the library. I completed this book in 3 days it was very good and the writer was Rodney Bewes (The Likely Lads). I also went to the Post Office to buy stamps for my Xmas cards. After dinner I started to create a web site for my Care home.

My Life being Disabled 03/11/07

I went to Morrisons this afternoon and I bought some Xmas cards and some mints. There were 3 residents and 2 carers. When we came out it was raining heavily. After dinner my nurse asked why I was going to Wheelchair services on Thursday. I told her it was for Electrically Powered Indoor/Outdoor Chair EPIOC training. She told me to inform them that she had condemned my indoor wheelchair because she thought it was dangerous.

My Life being Disabled 02/12/07

I wanted to go to NETTO's today but there were no carers willing to take me because of my manual wheelchair. It's too big in weight and height. I am going to see Wheelchair Services on Thursday to see if I can get a power wheelchair.

My Life being Disabled 01/12/07

Because it's the first of the month in my Care Plan I should have my Blood Pressure taken. At 15:00 I asked my nurse if she would take it and it 140/90 but last month it 120/70. I asked my nurse if this was O.K. and she said it was.
I went to the Xmas fair in my Care home where I won a box of smarties, a candle, some wooden Xmas decorations and a pen.

My Life being Disabled 30/11/07

Because my weight has increased my action plan is:-

1) Drink more water, at least 2.5 litres per day

2) Meals, breakfast - bran flakes, cranberry juice and movicol
lunch - soup/main meal plus an apple NO POTATOES
dinner - main meal/soup plus an apple NO POTATOES

I started to create a web site for my home. The address is http://www.fusiveweb.co.uk/dearnevale

My Life being Disabled 29/11/07

I got weighed this morning and it was 94.4 kgms which according to my nurse is plus 5lbs. We decided ths was due to a) plenty of exercise at the Fitness Centre which is turning the fat into muscle b) I eat too much pasta. I am going to Bran Flakes for breakfast and I am going to eat less pasta.

My Life being Disabled 28/11/07

I had a bladder wash this morning and it worked !
This morning I emailed Barnsley Council:-

Just to inform you the footpath outside my home is getting worse. Yesterday I went to Grimethorpe library nearly all the footpaths have bumps or have holes in them which make it very difficult for wheelchairs.

I also emailed Grimethorpe Electronic Village Hall:-

I visited you yesterday to find out whether or not I could become a volunteer. But because I am disabled and wheelchair bound I could not get in. My wheelchair just fitted in entrance door but my carer and me decided to go no further because we thought we might get stuck in the corridor/doors.

In the afternoon I went to the Fitness Centre where I had 1 hour excersises, increased my weights and increased my number.

My Life being Disabled 27/11/07

After a boring Monday today I went to the library. It is only 500 metres but one of my carers struggled because the footpaths are really bad. At one time she lost control of my wheelchair and I went one the road. After the library we tried to visit Grimethorpe Electronic Village Hall but the doorways and corridors were to small. I was going to ask if I could be a voluteer but seeing as I couldn't get in I decide to leave it.

My Life being Disabled 25/11/07

This afternoon 3 residents including me went out shopping. We went to Nettos then to the
Co-op. Afterwards I finish off my Powerpoint presentation.

My Life being Disabled 24/11/07

This morning I was due for a bladder wash so after my shower the nurse tried to wash out my bladder. She could not do it because my catheter was by-passing. She had to change my catheter again but she was going to ask my GP if my bladder wash could become more frequent. This afternoon I went to watch my local Rugby League team Grimethorpe but they lost to New Earswick A in a cup match. After dinner I continued with my Powerpoint presentation about my life since I had a stroke.

My Life being Disabled 23/11/07

I continued with the "powerpoint" presentation for the assistant manager. I attended the residents meeting we discussed....number of residents = 15
Points raised by me
Carers - to rotate my clothes after laundry
Handyman - leaving today, computer room no calling button, cinema lounge no calling button
AOB - upgrade computers, bigger bath(I can't use the bath because of my extended leg
DONM - 1st week Jan 08

My Life being Disabled 22/11/07

I met with somebody from Remploy this afternoon to discuss my Work Preparation Referral. We agreed to delay it because her family was coming over from New Zealand for Xmas. Also there's a lot of part-time work going at the moment. She would tell my Disabled Employment Advisor from the Jobcentre. We also agreed that my hours of work were flexible.

My Life being Disabled 21/11/07

Last night at 23:00 my catheter started by-passing but my nurse gave me a bladder wash out and it worked !
I went to the Fitness Centre and through my excercises again. I AGREED WITH MY INSTUCTOR THAT NEXT HE WILL ARRANGE FOR DIFFERENT EXCERCISES.

To include in my Care Plan

A section how I use my room
All laundry to rotate so that all my clothes are used.

A section on my goals
Short term
A Care home that utilises Total Quality Management principles
A non smoking Care home
Drive a car again
Become a magistrate
Be employed
Go swimming

Long term
Independent Living
Join the London Olympics Project

My Life being Disabled 20/11/07

I worked on the Powerpoint presentation again

My Life being Disabled 19/11/07

In morning I review my Care plan with my nurse. We agreed that the plan should include:- a contolled copy of my Care plan to be kept in my bedroom.
In the afternoon we went to the National Museum of Media in Bradford to see "Beowulf". Here's a email I sent to them.

Yesterday 19/11/07, I and another disabled resident went to see Beowulf at the IMAX cinema in Bradford. I would like to thank everone for making this visit great. We parked our disabled mini-bus right outside the cinema and one of staff greeted us on entering. She arranged for our entrance tickets to be collected for us. Another of your staff took us up in the lift and showed us where the best view was. There are a lot of disabled places. The film Bewolf was screened in 3D as well as viewing it on IMAX. I thoroughly enjoyed it. THANKYOU

My Life being Disabled 18/11/07

I continued working on my Powerpoint presentation for the assistant manager. Another resident asked me to go to the National Media Museum in Bradford tomorrow because he wanted to see the film "Bewolf" in IMAX 3D. I said yes. I went to Nettos to get some shower gel.

My Life being Disabled 16/11/07

I went to the dentist this morning for a filling. The assistant manager gave me a copy of Micrososoft Office Professinal Edition 2003.

My Life being Disabled 15/11/07

The assistant manager of my Care home has asked me to produce a powerpoint presentation of my views of "A resident in a Care home plus My Life being Disabled". She's given me a list of topics she wants me to cover which are:-



1. Personal Life story

2. Needing Long Term Care

3. My Depenancy on Other People

4. A Person behind a Disability

5. How I would like to be spoken to

6. Care planning

7. Control

8. Short term/Long term goals

9. Difficulties in finding a placement

10. Shared Living

11. Other Suggestions



She would like this session to be an eye opener to Carers and Nurses ! BUT when I checked the powerpoint on my PC it was dated 2003.

My Life being Disabled 17/11/07

I continued working on the Powerpoint presentation for the assistant manager

My Life being Disabled 14/11/07

At 00:01 my catheter was by passing it been doing this all day intermittantly. I called the nurse and she thought it was my tube was positioned wrongly. She adjusted this and she would check me throught the night. I got up at 08:25 shaved, cleaned my teeth and showered. I got dressed and had my breakfast but my catheter was still by passing so I called for the nurse again who changed it assisted by a nurse from the hospital who said I should have the grit removed by some medicine ! The assistant manager asked me to help her to prepare a "powerpoint" presentation on what its like being disabled in a Care home. After lunch I went to the Fitness Centre for my excercises. I can go once per week because the contract with my Care home allowes me to have 30 minutes per day of activity time.

My Life being Disabled 13/11/07

I was going to apply to be a magistrate but I need 3 referees who I have known for 3 years but unfortunately I havn't so I emailed administor:-I would like to be a magistrate. Since my stroke in March 2003 I am paralysed in my right and wheelchair bound. I would like to be involved in the community even though I have to live in a Care home. I have just moved into the Barnsley area. My problem is I do not have any referees. I am married with two sons aged 21 and 17. Before my stroke I was the National Support Manager for Transmission Systems working for British Telecom, who I worked for 33 years. I was a manager for BT for over 20 years. I was a Rugby League coach at Dewsbury Moor club. Is there anything I could do to get round this problem of not having referees ?

My Life being Disabled 12/11/07

On Friday evening I was given an antibotic pill which I didn't know about. I took it and it was prescribed 3 tablets daily. I questioned it on Saturday and was told to see the senior nurse on Monday. She told me it was prescibed because the doctor thought I had an urine infection when he saw me last Wednesday but never told anyone.

My Life being Disabled 10/11/07

Three residents and myself went 10 pin bowling this lunchtime. We had two games of bowls plus a meal in a basket. I couldn't sit with the rest of them because they sat at a table which you had to go up one step. I was the only resident who was in a wheelchair.

My Life being Disabled 09/11/07

I had my blood pressure taken today it was 70/120

My Life being Disabled 08/11/07

I asked the computer administrator to load some new software but he said he was too busy !

My Life being Disabled 07/11/07

I went to the Fitness Centre this afternoon because I agreed with the Senior nurse that I can go every week. When I got there I arranged to go at 13:30 for 30 minutes on Wedesday every week. My instructor had a excercise plan for me which I completed and did some more excercises before 30 minutes were up. When I came back I completed a Christmas Quiz using the internet.

My Life being Disabled 06/11/07

This morning I went to the library and changed my book to "Life according to Clarkson"and runs out on the 27/11/07. The senior nurse told me that she has contacted my new dentist and they will visit me. The life skills co-ordinator has told me I can visit the Fitness Centre every Wednesday after lunch. On Saturday we are going 10-pin bowling at 11:30.

My Life being Disabled 05/11/07

This morning I asked my nurse if I could have my Care plan review. She agreed but said it would later because she's busy today. I reminded the Life Skills co-ordinator that my libary books were due back on 7/11/07. She asked me to go bowling on Saturday. The physio told me that on Wednesday & Friday we are having keep fit classes.

My Life being Disabled 04/11/07

This morning I order some speakers which were on a special offer from "savapoint" and I ordered a desk and wall calander from "vistaprint".

My Life being Disabled 03/11/07

I asked to go to the fitness centre again but I was told by the senior nurse that she would check my costings to find out if I am paying for somebody to take me to the fitness centre and if so how many days I can go. This is the second time she has said this to me but I've never seen this "costing" so I don't know what this entails. My costing is 3.5 hours per week of activities. I also reminded her that my Care plan is due for review. To include: monthly - blood pressure, weight weekly - haircut. In the afternoon my catheter started by passing and when the nurse changed it there were blood clot in my badder. This might have been when one of my carers pulled my catheter ! After she changed my catheter everything was O.K.

My Life being Disabled 02/11/07

I asked again could I go to the fitness centre but today there were only two carer on duty so I couldn't go but the nurse promised me I could go tomorrow. I got weighed I am 94 kg I've put on 4 kg in a month.

My Life being Disabled 01/11/07

Today I sent my appilcation form for The Weakest Link. I asked to go to the fitness centre but all the carers were busy.

My Life being Disabled 31/10/07

This afternoon we had a Halloween party. I was dressed as Hannibel Lecture ! All the residents were dressed up. We had a great time, we played lots of party games. I won a pumpkin toy, a box of maltesers and some bars of chocolate.

my 31/10/077

My Life being Disabled 30/10/07

I went to my Jobcentre this afternoon and I discussed what I would do after my Work Preparation. We decided that I should get some Work Experience so my Disabled Employment Adviser phoned Remploy and asked them if they would take me on. They said they would so we had to fill in form titled Work Preparation Referral form. They will contact me and interview me.

My Life being Disabled 29/10/07

Today three of our residents went to The Royal Armouries in Leeds. From a disabled point of view it was an excellent visit. We park our mini-bus in the disabled car park which was very near to the entrance. On entering we found it was free ! We got a programme for the day and on it there were various interpretation of how things were in history. These were:

1. The Somme: Before The Whistle - it was 07:20 on 1st July 1916. In ten minutes time the whistle will blow and the Battle of The Somme will begin.

2. Elizabethan Sword Master - using Shakespears Romeo & Juliet the interpeters highlight sword & buckler and rapier & dagger techniques from 16th century manuals.

3. To Kill a King 1649 - A Royalist officer who witnesses the execution of his king, recounts that terrible day and relates his attempts to give flee persecution.

4. Mastering Arms: 18th Century Swordsmanship - demonstration of self defence techniques with civilian small swords, single sticks and quater-staffs.

5. The Valley of Death 1854 - the poet Alfred Lord Tennyson immortalised events of October 25th 1854 when 666 riders of the Light Brigade made the heroic charge against almost the entire Russin army, was it a terrible blunder ?

6. The Witchery of Archery - a tale from pages of Maurice Thompson's classic book on hunting with the bow and arrow.

Every interpretation was excellent and even though I was in my wheelchair I could see them perfectly.

At 12:30 we decided to get something to eat and as we were on the 3rd floor we went to the cafe. There we all had carrot & leek soup with a roll. It tasted very good and was plesantly hot. It cost only £3.30. The only problem was my wheelchair couldn't fit under the table.

As an event I would recommend this as the only other problem was that the lift doors shut very quickly and sometimes closed before we got into the lift.

My Life being Disabled 28/10/07

This afternoon I applied to be a contestant on The Weakest Link.

My Life being Disabled 27/10/07

This afternoon at 16:00 we set off to Huddersfield to watch Great Britain v New Zealand in first Rugby League test match. We arrived 16:45 and parked in the Disabled Car Park only to find the Disabled seats in the John Smith's stand were at the opposite side of the stadium. It was very busy so we had to use the road, it was all uphill and it took us about 15 minutes. Once inside there is a paved path to the Disabled area there were lots of wires across it(probably Sky). In this area it is impossible to see the big screen ! I couldn't tell what the MC was saying. The pre match entertainment was good especially when New Zealand preformed the Hake. The match was excellent with Great Britain winning 20 - 14. Straight after the we able to get to our mini-bus because of the Disabled pathway but once we had set off we ground to halt because of the volume of traffic. We got home at 21:30.

My Life being Disabled 26/10/07

I went to my dentist this morning at Wakefield for a check-up. I told my dentidt I have changed Care homes to one at Barnsley. The dentist contacted them to transfer me but they don't have a hoist. I have to go because I need a filing. My appointment is 16/11/07 11:15.
I recived a reply from Halfords when complained because their lift was too small:-
Dear Mr Tillotson We write with reference t your recent letter regarding wheelchair accessto the mezzanine floor in one of our stores, and are aware of the issue towhich you refer and share your concern. Please accept our apologies for thedelay in our response. Our customers should not feel that shopping at Halfords is made moredifficult as a result of introducing a new store format. Our aim is toprovide our customers with an extended range of products in a betterenvironment. Expanding onto a mezzanine level enables a viable increase inproduct range whilst providing a differentiated environment for our Autoand Cycling customers. Halfords currently has 431 stores, of which 223 have a trading mezzaninefloor. Lift access to the mezzanine floor is now available in 115 of ourstores and all new stores built after December 2003 will have lift access,to the upper level. Measuring sticks have been issued to all stores andwill be used to, ensure that we comply with minimum clearance widths to aidmovement around the store. The Halfords Board takes its legal responsibilities under the DisabilityDiscrimination Act very seriously, and our aim is to ensure that all of ourcustomers can take full advantage of our complete customer offer. In orderto fulfil this, we are embarking upon a programme of activity, which willmake reasonable physical adjustments so that our disabled customers areable to shop in the store. Where this is not possible, all staff have beentrained to offer appropriate assistance. We would like to take the opportunity to thank you for taking the time andtrouble to contact us, and trust this letter goes some way towardsexplaining our position, and will not deter you from shopping with us inthe future. Kind RegardsRichard WatersHalfords Customer Services.

My Life being Disabled 25/10/07

At 01:00 this morning I woke up wet through because my catheter was by-passing. I told my carers and the nurse and we decided to drink plenty of water and see if it clears. At 02:00 after drinking 2 litres of water we decided to change my catheterbut we had to get another nurse to do it. After changing my catheter and changing the sheets and quilt on my bed I went back to sleep around 03:00.
I awoke at 10:00 and after lunch we(residents) had a keep fit session with the life skills co-ordinator. Firstly we had to do excercises then we played throwing and catching a ball. Towards the end of the sesssion we had three balls in play. It was hard for me because I am paralysed down my right and wheelchair bound.

My Life being Disabled 24/10/07

This morning we had a coffee morning all the residents were invited with the life skills co-ordinator and some of our carers. We read the daily newspapers and discussed some of the articles in them. At 12:00 the life skills co-ordinator, two carers and four residents, including me, went for a pub lunch.In the pub car park the three disabled parking spaces were in use so we had to park our mini bus at the other end near the road ! I ordered a chilli bowl and somebody else ordered soup. There was no chilli and the soup was not ready until 13:30 but it was only 13:00 ! I changed mine to lasagne but I had to pay another £1. During our meal a member of staff came throw carrying rubbish.
When we got back one of the carers cut my finger nails and cut my hair.

My Life being Disabled 23/10/07

This morning I went to the Grimethorpe and Brierley Community and Fitness Centre and did some excercises. It was the first time I've excercised in a gym since I had a stroke ! I was knackered after excercising for 20 minutes. I intend going a lot more.

My Life being Disabled 22/10/07

The nurse who took my letter from the dentist for an appointment 24/11 10:30 lost it I escalated to the senior nurse this morning. I read the notice board this morning is meeting the local community(going shopping etc.) and this afternoon keep-fit with the physio. I told the physio that I will join them. But later she told me that she was new to this post and began taking suggestions for the keep fit activity. She would start this later this week.
The life skills co-ordinator asked me to go on a visit to The Royal Armouries in Leeds next Monday 29th October.I said I wanted to go. Later he suggested a pub lunch on Wedesday. So my diairy is gym tommorow, pub lunch on Wednesday, dentist on Thursday, Care plan review on Friday, GB v NZ test match on Saturday, Armouries on Monday, Jobcentre/Remploy on Tuesday, Hallowen Party on Wednesday. It's a lot different to any Care home that I've stayed in !

My Life being Disabled 21/10/07

I went to the Soul & Motown Night at the Social club but it was my favourite music Northern Soul ! There were 5 DJ's and all the money went to a local hospice. It started at 20:00 and went through until 01:00 with raffles etc. It was very good.

My Life being Disabled 20/10/07

Didn't get up until 10:00 because tonight I'm going to the Social club to a Soul & Motown nite. The Life Skills Co-ordinator is taking me at 19:00 but the event does not start until 20:00. I've got to change my urine bag to one that holds 1.5 litres because there is no disabled toilet !

My Life being Disabled 19/10/07

I went to the Jobcentreplus this morning to see my Disabled Employment Adviser at Barnsley. We discussed my next step on the employment ladder. I am going to meet someone from Remploy at 14:00 on 30/10/2007.

My Life being Disabled 17/10/07

Got my tickets for the Rugby League International match 27/10/07 at 18:15 between Great Britain and New Zealand at Huddersfield. I asked a Life Skills Co-ordinator if I could go to the fitness centre but he was too busy.

My Life being Disabled 17/10/07

I went to the libary and changed my books to Freddie Flintstone and a Pasta cooking one also I joined the Passport to Leisure which is for Disabled people that allows you to join various clubs at reduced charges. After a stroll around Grimethorpe we went to Grimethorpe and Brieley Community Health and Fitness Centre and I became a member. When I got home I replied to a email from my MEP Richard Corbett about this year's European Policy Forum will take place on Saturday November 3rd at The Source at Meadowhall, Sheffield. I said I wanted to go. I also got a reply from the Rugby League about getting their tickets via internet - Hi Mick,

Disabled tickets cannot be booked on the internet, but someone will be able to assist you if you call 0871 226 1313.

Kind Regards

DOES THIS MEAN THAT I AM BEING DISCRIMINATED BECAUSE I'M DISABLED ?

My Life being Disabled 16/10/07

I went 10-pin bowling this morning at Barnsley Bowl we had 2 games plus a basket meal. I ordered a ticket to the Rugby League International Test GB v NZ on 27/10 at Huddersfield.
IT WAS ONLY £10 AND THIS INCLUDES MY PERSONAL ASSISTANT AND A PARKING SPACE !!! WELL DONE TO RUGBY LEAGUE.

My Life being Disabled 15/10/07

I asked to go to the library and to join the fitness centre because my book was due on 17/10 but my carer was busy so we decided to go on 17/10. Tomorrow I am going10-pin bowling.

My Life being Disabled 14/10/07

i sent an email to my Carehome manager thanking Angela for taking me to watch the Super League Final at the Stute last night. see below:-

Melanie,
Please say Thankyou to Angela for taking me to watch the Super League Final at the Social Club. It was really appreciated.

My Life being Disabled 13/10/07

One of my carers offered to take me to the Social club to watch the Super League Final.

My Life being Disabled 12/10/07

DISAPPOINTMENT ! This morning I was told that the carer who was going to take me to Old Trafford could not take me because her mother in law had died. So I won't be going to the Super League Final tomorrow. Does anybody want these tickets ? There on e-bay

My Life being Disabled 11/10/07

I went to Pinderfields hospital to get my Baclofin pump filled up. I have go every 6 months but today the doctor increased the measure so the next time I have to go in 5 months on 6 March 2008.

My Life being Disabled 10/10/07

I went to Grimethorpe and Brierley Community and Fitness Centre to enquire if I could join. The person in charge said it would be O.K. but to phone before I come. Apart from joining I got an application to enrol in Barnsley's Passport to Leisure. Also the Life Skills co-ordinator said he will take me to the Souls Night at Grimethorpe Social Club.

I got my Contract for Service User's to sign BUT my Social worker should sign it as well. My fees are £1517.94/WEEK.

My Life being Disabled 09/10/07

I continued to find another Care home for a carer's mum. After lunch we went to Grimethorpe Social Club for a drink. Before dinner My new DEA phone to invite me for an interview on 12th October at 10:30 in Barnsley.

My Life being Disabled 08/10/07

One of my carers asked me to find another Care home for her mother because she is not happy with the one she is in now. I read the CSCI reports to find the ones that scored either GOOD or EXCELLENT in all categories.

My Life being Disabled 07/10/07

It is my birthday today.

My Life being Disabled 06/10/07

I tried a bath this morning but it is too small.
I was suppose to go to the rugby league match at Grimethorpe social club but the nurse said it was not in the diairy so I did not go. One of the residents had a leaving party and sobbed about three times. He is going to live independently. (that's my aim but I can't afford it.)
Emailed Motability I want to cancel my contract with them because I hardly use their car. It cost me £170/month. My MP replied to my email and said he be would in touch soon.

My Life being Disabled 05/10/07

Woke up at 08:05 called my carers, shower etc. and had my breakfast. At 09:50 the manager from Castle Park Care home came to assess my needs. This ensures the home can meet my needs. After I went on the computer. I emailed the patients liaison team telling them I don't want to further my complaint.


Kerry,
Rather than waste more money dealing with my complaint(s), here is my summary:-

1) I attended Pontefract General on 18th June Urology Investigations for a flexible cystoscopy but they did not have a hoist. My appointment was cancelled when I got there. I used patient transport and one of my carers came with me.

2) I attended Pinderfields General on 1st August Urology Investigations for a flexible cystoscopy but the hoist and sling was the incorrect type. The room was too small. My appointment was cancelled again. I used patient transport and one of my carers came with me.

3) I attended Pinderfields General Hospital on 17th September the patient transport came at 21:30. On 18th September I had an operation under general anaesthetic to break up any stones but they did not find any. The changed my catheter for a larger one. During my stay the ward clerk told me I could not read my notes. On 19th September I should have had an ultrasound to check my kidneys and to check if I had DVT but I never went. On 20th September I had an ultrasound and everything was O.K.

4) On 4th October I should met to discuss my complaint(s) but the taxi never arrived.


To conclude my problem was my catheter keeps on blocking which has been cured by changing it to a larger one. Your procedure for getting to this solution seems a costly one. Should you change your procedure? My solution was to move Care home as I now live in the Barnsley area.

My Life being Disabled 04/10/07

I woke up at 04:30 but called for my carers at 08:10 showered etc. went to the dining room and had my breakfast. At 10:40 I went downstairs to get my taxi to take to the meeting with Mid Yorkshire Hospitals about my complaint. I waited until 10:55 and phoned them because the taxi had not arrived. She phoned back and said somebody cancelled the taxi at 07:30 this morning. The meeting was cancelled and will be rescheduled.

My Life being Disabled 03/10/07

Woke up at 07:50 teeth, shave and shower. Breakfast and stayed in the dining room to sort my correspondance because I'm going to meet Mid Yorkshire Hospitals tomorrow. To discuss my complaint which is:-

a) I attended Pontefract Genera on 18th June for an Urology Investigation but they did not have a hoist.
b) I attended Pinderfields Hospital on 1st August for an Urology Investigation but the hoist and sling was the wrong one for me and the room was too small.
c) I attended Pinderfields Hospital on 17th September under general anaesthetc the consultant would check my bladder looking for stones and if any exist break them up.The ambulance came at 21:30. I had the operation on 18th September no stones were found but my catheter size was increased. That day the ward clerk told me I couldn't read my notes. On 19th September I was planned to go to have an ultrasound but I never got one. On 20th September I got an ultrasound with everything O.K. DISCHARGED.

After lunch I reviewed my Care Plan with the senior nurse then I went to the computer room.

My Life being Disabled 02/10/07

I woke up at 07:50 and buzzed for my carers at 08:15. I cleaned my teeth, shaved and had a shower. I got dressed and had my breakfast. I went with Adele to Corton Wood retail park but when we got out of my car we couldn't lock the boot door so I called out the RAC. The fault is on the door lock but he temporarily cured it. He told us how to open the lock if it happens again. I bought a new razor and 10 hankerchiefs. I emailed Dixon of Barnsley about my car and emailed Halfords because at Corton Wood I couldn't fit in their lift.

My Life being Disabled 01/10/07

I buzzed for my carers at 08:30 after my shower I went to the dining room at 10:00. After breakfast I went to the computer room. I asked Adele, the skills co-ordinator if she would take to Corton Wood which is the local retail park. She said she will take me tomorrow morning

My Life being Disabled 30/09/07

Woke up at 08:20 because I thought I was by-passing but I hadn't a night bag and my day bag was full. I called for a carer who emptied my bag anhd hoisted me into my bathroom. There I cleaned my teeth, shaved and had a shower. After dressing I went to the dining room it was 11:00 had my breakfast and went to the computer room.

My Life being Disabled 29/09/07

Woke up 07:15 buzzed to get a bath. Had breakfast and went back to my room to met my wife and my social worker to discuss my future. The three options were, stay here, Leonard Cheshire Services or Castle Park.

My Life being Disabled 28/09/07

Woke up at 05:30 buzzed at 08:10,had a shower etc. went to the dining room at 09:40. Had breakfast asked the nurse to register with a NHS dentist. In the afternoon a carer had asked me to play scrabble but due to an emergency we didn't play instead I watch television all afternoon. I asked for my passport, chequebook and car keys again but the staff are reluctant to give them ? The nurse told me I could have them before my wife comes in the morning ! I asked if I can self-medicate put in the diary for Monday. I didn't go to the Acorn centre to join the Job creation course. This more like a prison than a Care home because I can't go out because all the doors have locks on them.

My Life being Disabled 27/09/07

I didn't get up until 09:00 because I watched television until 02:00. I phoned the hospital complaints department to change my address for the taxi to take me to the meeting 04/10 11:30.

My Life being Disabled 26/09/07

I woke up at 06:00 and at 07:00 I buzzed for my carers because I had meet life skills co-ordinator to go to The Acorn development to enrol in the libary, to find what courses I could join and what day the jobs creation course meets. I was suppose to meet at 10:00 but it seemed to me that the night staff were reluctant to get me up. They fobbed me off until the day staff came on duty. I was ready at 10:00 but I was advised that every Wednesday morning the doctor visits and I should go to speak to him. I tried to get my passport, chequebook and car keys but there was nobody in the office. My appointment was delayed until 13:45 and at the Acorn Centre I joined the library, didn't find a suitable course and the job creation couse is held every Friday afternoon. We came home and I read my Care plan then I joined in a quiz. After dinner I went in the computer room. I emailed the local council asking them if they had any newer compters

My Life being Disabled 25/09/07

Woke up at 07:00 buzzed at 08:10 but carers were busy so I got up at 09:10. I got into the dining room at 11:00. After breakfast I went to the computer room. I phoned the council to change my address on the Electoral register.I emailed wheelchair services to tell them I moved. After dinner I watched television until 23:00 then I went to bed

My Life being Disabled 24/09/07

Woke up at 07:00 buzzed 08:05 carers were busy only 1 hoist. Cleaned my teeth, shaved and showered. Went to the dining room had my breakfast. Went to the computer room it was 11:30 ! I'm setting my alarm at 06:30.
In the afternoon we had several quizzes.

My Life being Disabled 23/09/07

I have not blogged since 14/09/07 because a) been in hospital b) moved Care homes



On Sunday 16/09 woke up at 06:30 shaved and cleaned my teeth. At 07:05 the senior carer came to pack (I thought it was for hospital) she informed me it to move Care homes ? This had ben organised by the senior nurse ! I was to move Care homes straight after hospital ! I phoned the hospital at 12:00 to see if they had a bed the nurse told me to wait until the ambulance arrives and tell the driver to phone her. At 13:15 the ambulance arrived and he phoned the hospital - still no bed. At 17:15 the Care home nurse said a bed is now available to wait for transport. At 21:15 the ambulance arrived but I could not take my wheelchair I had to go on a stretcher. Got to hospital my own room with television but no remote.



On Monday 17/09 woke up at 05:30 cup of coffee, television and Doctor said he will see me later. I informed the nurse that I require an air-filled mattress. The doctor came in and ask the same question that I answered in the pre-assessment questionnaire and the nurses asked me last night. I asked the doctor why does the NHS use a big database and everybody use laptops he said it not secure ! At 06:00 a nurse came and informed me that I was having an operation this afternoon. At 08:55 the aeneithitist came and ask me the same questions again. At 09:10 the doctor came again and put a Cabbula. At 13:00 the surgeon came to explain what they are going to do. Get rid off all debris and if any stones break them up. My operation is the next to last and should performed about mid-afternoon. At 13:20 the consultant visited and said "hello". I started to read my notes but when the Ward Clerk saw me she took them off me and said you must pay to read these. I offered to pay but she wouldn't tell me who to pay. About 17:00 I went for my operation.

At 20:45 I woke up in the ward. I've got an air-filled mattress and I've had my operation but they didn't find anything.They change my catheter to a bigger one.

Tuesday 18/09 woke up at 06:00 at 08:20 I spoke to the doctors who said I was going for an ultrasound to check my kidneys and make sure I don't have a DVT.







At 15:30 because nobody has heard from the ultrasound dept. the staff nurse chased them. It will tomorrow because they have lost my card !



Wednesday 19/09/07 woke at 08:00 when a doctor came to look at my chart. Had breakfast then all the doctor came round. At 10:00 I went for an ultrasound for my kidneys and my right leg. This department measures 9 metres x 4 metres very small. The guy performing the ultrasound said I had one yesterday !!! BUT it was 18/09/06 exactly one year ago at another hospital. No problems back to the ward at 11:00. 11:25 the sister informed me that I am going to my new Care home. At 16:00 an ambulance came to take me to my new Care home.



At 16:30 I arrived at my new Care home and straight to a birthday party

At 20:30 I went to bed.



Thursday 20/09/07 08:30 Got up with a shower in my room. At 10:30 my Social worker phoned she is coming to see me at 15:30.

My Social worker wants to met my wife this is arranged for Saturday 20/09 at 11:00

She discussed my future because I'm only here on a short term basis about 3 months. She proses to move me to a place in Hull. We also discussed living independently but I can't afford this (I would have to contribute £100 WHICH IS THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT).

My Life being Disabled 14/09/07

I woke up 05:30 and had a shave and cleaned my teeth. At 06:40 my carers came and I had a wash and got dressed. I went to the dining room and had my breakfast.At 07:45 my taxi came (Wheels 01132 499999) and the taxi driver took me to my Work Preparation course run by paulalmond@best-train.com & stuartcockerham@best-train.com at the Belle Isle Foundation email foundation@belle-isle.co.uk excellent conference and training facilities.



This is the last time I'll be attending because I'm going into hospital for a Urology operation on Sunday. When I come out I should be moving Care homes to Dearnevale in Grimethorpe, Barnsley.



I don't know whether I can still blog ?

I had my Final Report from Paul Almond



Things I do on my last day of Work Preparation course.



Leavers Questionnaire

My Life being Disabled 13/09/07

I woke up 06:00 and had a shave and cleaned my teeth. At 06:20 my carers came and I had a wash and got dressed. I went to the dining room and had my breakfast.At 08:10 my taxi came (Wheels 01132 499999) and the taxi driver took me to my Work Preparation course run by paulalmond@best-train.com & stuartcockerham@best-train.com at the Belle Isle Foundation email foundation@belle-isle.co.uk excellent conference and training facilities.

I continued with my search for employment I applied for a data entry clerk with Adecco Recruitment Solutions and an administration assistant with Ritz Recruitment.

My Life being Disabled 12/09/07

I woke up 05:00 and had a shave and cleaned my teeth. At 06:20 my carers came and I had a shower. I went to the dining room and had my breakfast.At 07:30 my minibus came but I hadn't finished my breakfast until 07:45 then I went out to get in my minibus (Wheels 01132 499999) and the bus driver took me to my Work Preparation course run by paulalmond@best-train.com & stuartcockerham@best-train.com at the Belle Isle Foundation email foundation@belle-isle.co.uk excellent conference and training facilities.

I continued with Beginners course for SAGE Line 50 v11 Financial Controller Chap 24 Recurrrring Entries - I finished the course at 14:14

I also applied for 3 jobs - Unity Personnel, Office Assistant/trainee administrator
JHK, Administrator Assistant
Hays Office Support, PA to Chief Information Officer

my life being disabled 11/09/07

I woke up 06:00 and called for my carers to dress me. I didn't have a shave or cleaned my teeth because one of my carers had to finish at 07:00. I went to the dining room and had my breakfast.At 07:30 my taxi came but I hadn't finished my breakfast until 07:50 then I went out to get in my taxi (Wheels 01132 499999) and the taxi driver took me to my Work Preparation course run by paulalmond@best-train.com & stuartcockerham@best-train.com at the Belle Isle Foundation email foundation@belle-isle.co.uk excellent conference and training facilities.



I phoned my social worker and we agreed that I was moving Care homes after my appointment with the hospital. This starts on Sunday 16th September and should end on Friday 21st September. Also she would take my query about Social Care charges to the finance department. i.e. If I get a job with pay of £20,000/year what will be my Social Care charges be ? What will be the effect on Independent Living ? What happens to my assetts ?

my life being disabled 10/09/07

i use to blog at http://tillo.vnunetblogs.com/my_life_being_disabled/ but it has been switched off so i am using 'blogger'. this is my life being disabled (contd).

I woke up 05:30 cleaned my teeth and had a shave. At 06:50 my carers came and dressed me. I went to the dining room and had my breakfast.
At 08:15 my bus came ( Wheels, 0113 249 9999) and the bus driver took me to my Work Preparation course run by paulalmond@best-train.com & stuartcockerham@best-train.com at the Belle Isle Foundation email foundation@belle-isle.co.uk excellent conference and training facilities.

i applied for a trading standards post with buckingham county council

i also emailed my disabled employment advisor, my social worker, best and my care home to let them know that i'm going into hospital on sunday 16/09 for an operation that will be performed within a few days. see text....
On Sunday 16th September I will be attending H ward to have an Urology Operation. My operation will be performed within a few days. But on Tuesday 18th September my Works Preparation course ends. I propose :- 1) BEST - give me my final report this week (w/e 14/09/097) 2) JOBCENTRE - An appointment is then made with my DEA (Julie Goodman) so that we can discuss how I got on and the recommendations in the final report. We’ll then agree an action plan for the future which may include looking for work, training or further education. 3) ACCESS TO INTERNET - To enable me to finish the SAGE Line 50 Financial Controller training and access results of my current job applications, new job applications and job searches I will attend BEST every Friday (starting 21/09/07). Also Wheldon View provide internet access.

I emailed the person in charge of Welfare Rights & Assessments - Family Services for Wakefield MDC to find out......

When I start working again what will my Social Care costs be if I earn £20,000 ? If I live independently and earn £20,000 what will my Social Care costs be ? How does my Social Care costs affect my assets (our house)? now and both examples

I emailed my Care manager.....

I don't know if the night carers said anything but my night bag did not hold any urine last night. All my urine went on to the carpet because of a faulty bag. I usually get my bags via prescription but I have not been able to get them. Also, my district nurse, ordered some day bags and some items for my catheters but I have not got them. Is there anything wrong with the process ? Please be aware that on Sunday 16th September I should be going to H Ward Orology at Pinderfields and I should have an operation in the next few days.

When I got home somebody phoned about a meeting with Mid Yorkshire Hospitals on 4th October wanting to know whether I knew a taxi firm I could use ! Wheels 01132 499999