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