Hi my name is Sherrill
I was hoping someone could help me. In February I had a OT assessment where I explained to the OT that through a combination of my lumber disc degeneration L4 L5 & a operation I had on my hip I have not been able to sleep in my bed for more than a couple of hrs since 2021. As I'm diabetic the open wound took a long time to heal. For months l slept only on my right side. This caused a access amount of weight on my left hip. Basically I have to take pain killers 30 minutes before bed a proactive measure. I can then fall asleep and though uncomfortable it works to start as long as I have a cushion between my knees to make sure weight does not shift pulling on on the hip that had the operation. I wake up in real pain in about 2 hours. My hip, my back and pain down my legs. The lumber disc degeneration means I have not been able to sleep flat on my back for over 20 years. I have tried leg wedges but they tend to slip. As a result I have been sleeping in a recliner chair for 4 years. Not ideal for a goods nights sleep but better than sleeping in the bed.
The OT that assessed me was a OT assistant. We tried out a mattress elevator but due to my weight I could feel the mental from it sticking into my back. I contacted The OT assistant to see if I could have matress Genie (matress elevator which is like basically like a airbed triangle shaped wedge under the matress using a control to adjust it.) She had gone on sabbatical and the deputy department OT had taken over her cases. I was informed I should not have had the metal one as they are only for people that can't get out of bed. So I am still sleeping on the recliner.
My question is does anyone know of any grants independent living l can apply for that would fund me buying a mattress genie? The OT is happy to support this.
