Just received my "Daily Living Questions" - any advice? - Disabilities Message Board

Suni321 · 05-23-2006, 09:49 AM

I just received my "Daily Living Questions" to fill out. I just want to make sure that I do this right. Any advice on filling this out?

With my condition I go through good days & bad days which may be hard to explain as well.

They also ask for a third party to fill out a second set of the questions. Who did you ask to fill it out?

Thanks for the help - Suni

countrykid · 05-23-2006, 06:00 PM

Suni
Take your time and review the questions. Some the questions I know from my own experience.. it feels like you are repeating yourself. But sometimes your condition is exactly like that.
I will give you an example of what I stated:
I use to do all my yard work...mowing grass, trimming bushes, trees and shrubs...now I have to hire someone to do it for me.
I also did alot of gardening...now all I can do is maybe some light watering of my houseplants...I am now unable to plant flowers outdoors or care for my perennials.

My third party was my husband. If you live someone have them be the third party...they can tell in their own words how the condition you have is causing you limitations. They see you on a daily basis. Now if you don't live with someone get the person who is the closest to you to fill out the questionaire.
Hope this helps you.

jprinz99 · 05-24-2006, 05:09 AM

I answered mine (have done several over the years) by repeatedly stating I have some days that are better then others. They told me (as did a friend who used to work for Social Security) to answer all questions as if for a "bad" day. I.E. I need my family to cook for me, as I cannot control my tremors while using a knife or at the stove. I can help toss salad or fill glasses with ice. On some of my better days I can also stir pots, help prepare some foods; but I am mainly dependent on others for food prep.

She also said to make it descriptive (use another sheet of paper if needed). I.E. my medication makes it hard to concentrate and I can forget if I took my medicine or if I added 1 egg or 2. I have my family check to see if I filled my medication dose box correctly so I do not over/under dose on my meds. My medication makes me tired so I nap every day for a few hours.

Don't lie or make things up, but don't leave out any of the details. In other words, makes it sound as bad as it is.

Suni321 · 05-25-2006, 01:34 PM

Thanks - both your responses were really helpful! I wasn't sure how to respond to the question - bad day vs. good day. It's scary to fill out these things as you only have one chance and it needs to be done right the first time. I've made a couple of copies and I'm filling out a "working copy" currently. Thanks again for the insight - it's nice to have people who've done this before.

PS: The hand tremors I totally can relate to - as they are a constant with my hands. I did try to do food prep work and 2 weeks in a row I accidentally dropped the chef knife and sliced open a finger. It was not pretty & very messy (luckily different fingers each time). And luckily of all hubby was home and could do triage - after he gave me a lecture for trying to do too much. Ouch - so true too.

Suni