Who has the right to ....

[magenta]

Hi
I have not been here for some months. Things have been OK.

My husband has been going to a charity run occupational therapy unit two sessions a week for the past three years. He does some painting and the time out gives him structure to the week.
He has Lewy body and is very variable. He went last Thursday and at the end of the session I got him up to come home but then one of the staff engaged me in conversation. Unfortunately my husband wobbled over, hitting his head and gaining a cut.

This week the same member of staff is insisting that my husband uses a walking frame to go to the ocupational therapy. My husband usually only uses a stick. Can anyone insist and therefore make my husband more disabled than he is?

My husband has had falls ever since his diagnosis, they are not new and the 2 worst have needed hospital treatment. The falls do not worry me and they do not worry or frighten him. He actually finds the hoist at home quite fun!

I don't want to loose access to the occupational therapy but feel it is unreasonable to dictate what aids someone uses. Especially when the staff are not qualified at all.
ideas please M

[danny]

As a care provider your words are wonderful and if everyone had the same relaxed attitudes to risks life would be so much simpler!No one can make you do anything against your husbands wishes,they can advise and offer suggestions,I suspect the main issue is one of liability should your husband fall and suffer serious injuries.If you and your husbands wishes are documented there should not be a problem.If the number of falling incidents increase then it may be worthwhile looking into the reasons behind and maybe rethinking aids then.Good luck.

[magenta]

Thanks Danny. Advice I listen to but this was given as a dictate. We had to do what he wanted ie use the walking frame. I am concerned if we turn up without the frame or leave it in the car my husband will be stopped from using the facilities. My husband usually sits for the whole time, which not unusually in older folk makes him stiff when getting up, but I do not think he must use the frame. I also know the frame will not stop him falling.
I think his problem with walking is cognitive/motor rather than physical.
Cheers M