Advice On Equipment And Stuff
Hello, this is my first posting, so excuse all the questions, Ive been storing them up. Does anyone know where I can get advice on things outside of the normal OT and Physio remit? I need some solutions for my son to help him when swimming. He currently manages with arm bands in the pool but has a tendency to tip forward and does not have the balance to right himself easily. I would like to find something that allows his arms to move in water, but those conventional swim vests just put his face in the water. He is nearly 4 and has spastic diplegia with low tone in his trunk. Any ideas about equipment or techniques or even where I could find a swimming teacher with some experience of working with children with cp?
The other question is about toilet training- I have tried alot, and he just does not seem to register he needs the toilet before it happens.The paediatrician says there is no neurological reason why he cant anticipate his toilet needs. Whats your experiences of toilet training.I use a larger than average potty as my son did not like the commode the OT supplied as it was uncomfortable. I am also struggling with what to do in public toilets. I currently put one of those inserts into the toilet ring, but its small and so he really has outgrown it. I stand him on his wheelchair pedals as I dress him. What do people do about using public toilets when they the loos are not designed for children. Even though my son is small, supporting him on the loo and then holding him whilst dressing him is difficult.
Finally are there any solutions to going on the beach for a wheelchair user. At the moment I use the 3 wheeler from before the diagnosis and wheelchair and drag it bacwards over dry sand.Whats out there as my son gets bigger and is there anything motorised he could use independantly on the beach.
Lots and lots of questions, but if you have any hints and experiences it would be helpful.
Lizzy
My daughter has a similar problem with keeping her face out of the water(although she's 28!) so she uses a Waterfly "Safe Collar" which is an inflatable collar that fits round her neck. Unfortunately I can't remember where I got it from but think I put "disabled swimming aids" into Google. I'll let you know if I can find any more info but try that.
Good Luck
Trish
Hello, this is my first posting, so excuse all the questions, Ive been storing them up. Does anyone know where I can get advice on things outside of the normal OT and Physio remit? I need some solutions for my son to help him when swimming. He currently manages with arm bands in the pool but has a tendency to tip forward and does not have the balance to right himself easily. I would like to find something that allows his arms to move in water, but those conventional swim vests just put his face in the water. He is nearly 4 and has spastic diplegia with low tone in his trunk. Any ideas about equipment or techniques or even where I could find a swimming teacher with some experience of working with children with cp?
The other question is about toilet training- I have tried alot, and he just does not seem to register he needs the toilet before it happens.The paediatrician says there is no neurological reason why he cant anticipate his toilet needs. Whats your experiences of toilet training.I use a larger than average potty as my son did not like the commode the OT supplied as it was uncomfortable. I am also struggling with what to do in public toilets. I currently put one of those inserts into the toilet ring, but its small and so he really has outgrown it. I stand him on his wheelchair pedals as I dress him. What do people do about using public toilets when they the loos are not designed for children. Even though my son is small, supporting him on the loo and then holding him whilst dressing him is difficult.
Finally are there any solutions to going on the beach for a wheelchair user. At the moment I use the 3 wheeler from before the diagnosis and wheelchair and drag it bacwards over dry sand.Whats out there as my son gets bigger and is there anything motorised he could use independantly on the beach.
Lots and lots of questions, but if you have any hints and experiences it would be helpful.
Lizzy