ANDI

Andi is a 42 yr old female who suffers from Fibromyalgia - http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Fibromyalgia/Pages/Introduction.aspx - which was recently diagnosed following a long drawn out process.

Following this process, Andi has been left feeling very low, and desperate for assistance in both managing her condition and in others recognising her present and future needs.

After feeling that she has been 'written off' by many professionals during her diagnosis process,  it's decided, after asserting herself  with her GP, that she be referred to  Occupational Therapy (OT)  for assessment. The manager of the OT department decides on a plan of action to send a newly qualifed OT to see Andi,  for an initial assessment of needs.

Andi wishes for equipment to help her, for example a stair lift, a walking aid, or a commode,  but she is not exactly sure what she needs, and is not sure how the OT will feel, at this early stage, seeing her. Andi also feels that maybe having some equipment might make her feel more validated/affirmed by others, in her disability journey, being a disorder which is covert in nature and thus hidden from clear sight.

The OT visits Andi, where Andi is assertive in getting her perceived needs met. The OT feels hesitant, she does not think that Andi is yet in clinical need for equipment and wants to encourage Andi to remain as independent as possible without this equipment, for as long as is possible.  The OT accepts that this equipment may be needed in the future if Andi's condition deteriorates. The OT feels that Andi is looking for a 'quick fix' which will solve her problems and feelings of frustration and vulnerability. Andi is adamant that she wants to exercise her choice in this matter.

The OT has some equiplment in the car.

What do you think the OT should do? What would you do in these circumstances?