[buffie]

I was wondering for those who are relying on aides to come in the mornings to get you up and then at night to put you back to bed, Who helps with the cleaning of when there are accidents? I am looking into getting out on my own; however, I am a c4-5 quad with limited hand function, so I would definately not be able to clean up after myself. If attendants are available only in the mornings and at nights, who helps during the in between times? My biggest fear is crapping my pants and having to sit in it cause no one is available to help. ?

[darrel]

first how limited is your hand function? I have movement of my thumbs, index fingers, and middle fingers, of both hands, 50# grip of left hand/ 5#grip of right (this hand is almost useless) I have had to clean myself up several times by myself, that just makes you that much more independant.
how long ago did you get hurt? and is it wise to be out on your own? I am C5-C6 leaning more to the C6 now but I still have to have someone live with me due to the hand movement and my heart condition, My G/F of eight years is my help at home, if we were to get married we would lose her income. she is allowed to go out and do things, they just don't want me left alone more than six hours.
Look at the capablities that you can do before you jump in and get your own place, would finding a house mate work out better for you? they can help some in between the care givers.

[josh27c]

It would mainly fall on your caretakers hands. I mean If they would come or if they were busy when you needed them. Also if there getting paid to come out, sad to say but alot of people are in it for the money.

You should really ask this ? to whomever helps you out now.

[alyssa]

When you say you want to get out on your own...do you mean live totally alone? You will get hungry and thirsty more often than you have accidents [hopefully] who will be there for that? Perhaps you should look into getting attendants more often then in the morning and at night.

[buffie]

Thanks everyone for you responses.

I have function in my left hand at about 50% and no function in my right. I just got hurt 04/06/07. I can manage minor tasks such as fixing myself something to eat if the food has already been cooked on the stove. I guess I was so focused on the bowel aspect of it all that I didn't think about everything else.

I just know that right now I live with my Mom(58) and Dad(62) who are aging. I don't want to place the burden of my care on my children when they get older, although they do help a lot now. The thought of a nursing home scares me to death. So I am trying to come up with a plan before it gets to late.

Attendant help has been considered but I don't know if ssi or medicare will pay for those services when I get approved for those services.

[dave420atya]

I'm a para with ful use of my arms.I can take care of my bowls ,but I'm divorced with fulcustody of 4 year old twin girls and that makes me scared to leave my mothers house. I really want to get out! Maybe next year after they start 1st grade. I think it's hard to find good help . Good luck

[Susi]

happy crip, on Oct 3 2007, 04:28 PM, said:

Buffie-
I'm sure that you can get it all worked out. The only advice I can give is not to let that worry hold you back.There are a lot of quads that live on their own, go to work ,school etc and survive.I'd suggest getting in touch w/ Indepedent Living or your Department of Rehab Services in your area.

A good bowel program will keep a lot of those accidents away as well.

Good luck. Don't give up or give in.

-Shanoon

I agree with happycrip. I also in the beginning until recently, had bowel movements at night and thought this was my lot in life. My husband is always here, and the days he goes away on business I have my caregiver stay over. She is with me all day anyway.

I have switched to a new bowel regime until i get the nutritionally correct diet going, and since then do toiletting mornings only and no accidents at night.

As to my caregiver, she is a local african girl who we trained up to take care of me. Washing, cleaning, cooking, toiletting, cathetirisation, etc. for an above average minimum wage. You see here in southern Africa, we do not have the benefits you have and can therefore not afford a privately funded qualified caregiver. She has worked out super, and maybe you can find a similar solution. I.e. finding someone you are comfortable with to train up.

Hope this helps or not?