Allo…are you coping in the heat? I`m staying indoors where it is a tad cooler.
Hey, looks like I have got some respite funding afterall!
So i tought I`d book a weekend in good old Blackers.
I asked my daily carer if shed like to take me, as my previous jollies have included tother 2 lasses.
Instead of booking our usual hotel, I thought Id be a bit more adventurous and try another, which described itself as being disabled friendly`. Plus it is in the town centre, whilst the other one is a good hike away and I can do without the extra trundling.
Ha! As you and I know only too well, when our disability gets as severe as meaning we need more than a widened door, that`s when those who think they offer good disabled facilities show their true colours!!!
So I make the call and check the dates are available…here`s how the conversation went;
Receptionist…Yes, we can do those dates. How many people are coming?
Me…2......wed like a twin room please…`I gave her time to log that in, before mentioning disability needs.
Her…Would that be a standard or a premium room?
Me…I need the room with disabled facilities please.. Do you have hoists?
Her…No, we dont, but the doors are widened and there is a wet room.
Me…Do you have a shower chair, please?
Her…Yes, there is one which flips up and down from the wall.
Me… No, I cant use those. Do you have a wheeled shower chair?`
Her…Um, er, I think we have one, but it only has wheels on 2 sides. Were not ally THAT kind of hotel`, she added.
Im thinking wtf! THAT kind hotel? I can just imagine being pushed in that shower chair and collapsing all over the place and needing burly firemen to pick me up off the floor..........maybe I shouldve taken the risk eh, but no…common sense prevailed,so I pressed on…
Me…Would it possible to hire the equipment I need locally?
Her…um I guess so
Me…Do you have a number?
Her…No, but if you...type in.....your computer............do you....have a..... computer?
Me…Yes, I do and I know what to do, thankyou.
So then I spend quite a chunk of time trying to find a company who could rent me a portable hoist and a wheeled shower chair.
One firm offered me a hoist at a full weeks rate, (expensive too) even though I only wanted it for the weekend..........fair enough I guess........they did have a shower chair, but not with wheels. I wondered how the chuff you get a portable hoist into a wet room.............it wouldnt fit, as they need a huge amount of leg widening space to do the job............used em before, so I know what I`m on about, missus! I left it at that.
Then I did find a firm who will deliver and collect, at just a weekend rate, a hoist and a WHEELED shower chair…hurray!!! And all for £60!
I rang the hotel back and booked the room. The same lady was a different lady, if you see what I mean!
All done…sigh of relief and then I realised…oh no…oh chuffin` no!
I had completey forgotten that I need a profiling bed too! Did I begin the search again? No, I chuffin` didnt.
I hope Ill cope for 2 nights on a regular bed and my poor carer wont be needing my wheelchair for the homeward journey!
Eeee, what a to do eh? What a chuffin` to do!
luv Polly. xxx
