Caring For Aging Parents Support Group

Caring for aging parents can be a difficul time as we become the caretakers for our parents. This broad responsibility can encompass such services as assisted living, adult day care, long term care, nursing homes, hospice care, and in-home care. Whether you have just started caring for your parents or just need a place to talk, we're here.

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which one is better??

peaceful
peaceful
Hey, I have a question.My Mom has used a cane, and a walker with wheels and a seat. I usually find a wheel chair or motorized cart at store.
Do you think I should encourage the cane or walker? Her main probably is getting out or breath. I was thinking the walker because of seat. But then wondered if she would tire from pushing it?

I am being to think I should carry a kit with me with a walking belt, back brace for me, and other supplies we may need. I am sure this has been coming on slowly but today it felt like everything happened at once in my mind. We are not prepared well when out.

Any ideas on which works better?? Cane with my help if needed or walker??

P
shur1
shur1
Walker is best that way if mom gets tired she can sit for a while to catch her breath. Pushing the walker is good for her just as Long as she can stop and rest at times.

God bless
Community LeaderThePepperMan
ThePepperMan
What does her doctor say? Or better still, has your mom had a physical therapy or occupational therapy evaluation? A professional can evaluate her and help come up with an answer that suites her needs and abilities.

That being said, I'd go for the walker when you are out because a good walker with a seat and 4 wheels can double as a wheel chair in the event that she gets really tired.
peaceful
peaceful
The pt eval is something I just "assumed" the DR saw at regular visits.
I missed that one. Good idea.
The walker seemed ideal but she has copd and chf all from a bad heart. I just dont want her to struggle so.
I will check about PT. Maybe even Respiratory therapy to help keep lungs clearer.
Some days it seems we are trying to climb a mountain with kite string for a safety rope :)
thanks for replies
P
shur1
shur1
Is there anyway to get her a mobile chair I got one for my dad he had chf and a very bad heart. It gave him some independence during that time. The problem was that the doctors were holding back in authorizing for the chair by the time he received his chair he only used it for 7 months. I had to change doctors in the last year because his primary doctor was not paying attention to his needs plus he was too old anymore to practice medicine for the good of his patients. He was eventually force to retirement he was a good doctor when he was young. God bless
caregiverinvt
caregiverinvt
My mother has a cane and walker without the chair. Her pride wants to use the cane but the physical therapist said the walker is better because it gives her more support. She walks better/has better balance with the walker.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Talk to the doctor and then get a PT eval. The answer is different for each person for different reasons. When my dad was in rehab they said the walker was worse than a cane because it interfered with his feet. It can also be too fast and cause falls because they are trying to catch up.

SOme things may seem simple but should be left to the professionals.
peaceful
peaceful
Mom agreed to have some PT for her feet. She is taking on fluid in them and they will work on moving around. So, will get the DR to help me with the mobility.

Thank you everyone
P