The year is now four days old and it has been an interesting start. After about a year of work, my new funding source for day-time hours started on January 1.
Unfortunately, mom and I still aren't certain how to document everything or even what is required. The majority of my daily cares weren't included in the list of needs, making us wonder how to record what my caregiver's do. Paperwork isn't regular reviewed by anyone, but needs to be easily available if or when my caregivers are audited.
Illness has been going around central Iowa as well. My day help came Tuesday, but needed to have a slow day. I was fine with staying in bed to get work done, and she did pretty well. The slow day wasn't enough though and she called off Thursday and Friday. Therefore, I have yet to have day help this year that can use the non-existent charting. Thankfully, nights have been covered so that everyone can get sleep.
Since we didn't have help, I went along with my parents Friday to run errands around town. One of our stops was Walmart with a list of items in different areas of the store. Since getting my chair in late November, I have only been in my house and church. This was my first time in a more open area with space to roam.
My last two chairs, I selected what speed setting I wanted and it wouldn't change until I wanted to. I could adjust my speed by moving my chin control further in any direction. With this chair, I have to select one of four speed modes each time I stop and start. I can vary how much of that setting I use, but it's more of a challenge to quickly adjust between slow and higher speeds.
For the first time, I was able to select the fastest setting. The medium and faster medium had trouble keeping up with dad sometimes, so I gave it a try. With it being my first experience, I was very jerky in trying not to run over anyone and still keep caught up. The new joystick is much smaller than what I've had for the last 29 years and I need to learn very tiny adjustments. I have driven less than three miles so far, but I'm wondering if I have steady enough control of my chin to manage the small stick. The constant start and stop in the store used about 10% of my battery, which makes me uncertain about longer outdoor activities in the summer.
This morning, dad got me ready for church and went to get me up. He hit the button to move the control bar away, and nothing happened. Dad looked over the various wires and plugs, but couldn't find an obvious problem. I can't get in, or out, with the controls in place so I stayed home. I wonder if I'll be switching back to my previous chair this week.
Whatever may come this year, I need to remember to look at God's plan for everything. Funding, caregivers, and my wheels may have their issues, but they aren't anything new in the quad life. Time will tell what comes with each aspect. Until then, I'm thankful to celebrate the beginning of another year and look forward to writing each week what happens.
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