Monday, May 02, 2011 NC asks

Q: When does he need a wheelchair?

My father-in-law has a hard time to get up or sit down. We have to help him all the time to sit down on the chair and help him get up. He uses a cane but he cannot stand up for a long time. He is in the residential home. Today they told us he fell in his bathroom because he tried to go to the toilet. The nurse told us he is able to go to the toilet himself yesterday, but I don't see that he can do that easily without struggle. Of course he fell. Today he is OK but they gave him the temp. wheelchair to make sure he is comfotable.

When do we know that he needs a wheelchair? The residential care director does not want to give him the chair too early so he can still be mobile. But it seems dangerous now.

Should he use a wheelchair soon?

Thanks,
Nina

- A
- A
- A

Answers (3)

Christine Kennard, Health Pro

5/ 3/11 2:22pm

Restricting someones mobility and enforcing the use of a wheel chair is not usually in their best interest. As people become more unsteady and find walking more difficult they are at increased risk of falls. However not to be able to go on your own from one place to another will adversly affect his quality of life. It does have to be balanced with your father in law's physical needs. It is a difficult call at times

I personally, would support the care homes evaluation. Talk to his doctor if you are worried

Best Wishes

Christine

5/ 3/11 4:22pm

We just saw my FIL this past Sunday and we went to a concert with him. He was so slow getting up or sitting down. He also waited too long standing up. He fell Monday on the next day. Maybe he will need a wheelchair in outings but he can use a cane slowly at his home. We usually contact the directors at the home and discuss this. Either way, we will have to buy a wheelchair because they don't provide his own chair although they have their wheelchair for temp. use. I don't know how long he can do it without a wheelchair, but it is up to the director to tell us. We try to be partners with the staff. In a way I think we know my FIL more or better, so we can often some comments or concerns with respect.

Thanks,

Nina

Christine Kennard, Health Pro

5/ 4/11 5:13am

As always, you seem to have got the balance of care just right. Being partners with the care home is the best way isnt it. Your FIL is very lucky to have you there advocating on his behalf

Best Wishes as always

Christine

5/ 3/11 5:34pm

The home now agreed we need to get him a wheelchair to move from room to room. We will get the presrciption Thursday and buy it ASAP.

Nina

Christine Kennard, Health Pro

5/ 4/11 5:15am

Sounds sensible dosnt it. They have the wheelchair available then

Christine

5/10/11 1:28pm

The US medicare may not pay for it as it is not required literally for now.

Will see. We may purchase a wheelchair for transportation. Now they suggested a walker aid, but he may not be able to drive it.

Nina

Christine Kennard, Health Pro

5/11/11 5:02am

It might be worth asking your local Alz Association if anyone is selling one to cut back on costs. Many people sell them in very good condition.

Christine

Carol Bradley Bursack, Health Guide

5/ 4/11 9:38am

I agree with the essence of this discussion. We used a wheelchair for tiring outings long before we used one for everyday needs.

Both of my parents used walkers until close to the end, as they navigated the nursing home, except for very bad days. The home staff was careful that they retain as much mobility as possible for as long as possible.

However, many outings can be unsafe and too tiring, so having a wheelchair at least available makes good sense in many places. I used to use a wheelchair to take my mom to clinic appointments, but I also brought her walker so she could get herself up to go to the bathroom. This isn't easy, mind you. I had to thread the walker through the handles of the wheelchair - and we made for a very "wide load." Caregivers so what they must, right?

Blessings,

Carol

Dorian Martin, Health Guide

5/ 9/11 6:46pm

Hi, Nina,

In our case, the nursing home staff tried to keep Mom independent by walking as much and as long as possible. However, she eventually had to use a wheelchair, both due to poor balance and her need for constant oxygen (which they attached to the back of the chair).

Take care!

Dorian

Q: When does he need a wheelchair?

Related Questions

Ask a Question