How do you handle spouse with Alzheimer's when they become dead weight?
My husband just came home from a bout in the hospital with bowel obstruction and all of a sudden he can hardly stand up. He isn't making sense with his usage of words either. He's in his 10th year with Alzheimer's.
Thank you all for your input. My husband was back to normal the next day. Normal meaning he could walk with his walker, but is weak. They sent a physical therapist out and she will come a few times. He was talking ok also. What a scare. I now know I must get more prepared for the coming events which are inevitable. I have a room for a live in caregiver when the time comes, but it is so expensive and it will drain all of our finances. This is all so depressing. thank you all again for your support.
The other thing to think about is a patient lift. See if an OT could come to your home and troublehoot for this. It is not uncommon to have losses of function with illnesses or anesthesia, the hospitals should be paying more attention to this and could offer PT to try to regain strength. Do they know what caused this round and do they think there is a way to prevent further bowel obstruction? I suppose it is too much to ask that they consider what the loss means for you emotionally. You should not have to be all alone trying to cope both physically and psychologically with the new developments in your loved one...just my $0.02. Prayers and hugs...
If some of the issues is that he is heavy too move about, you might look into getting him a "hip surgery recovery chair". Think of a toddler's high chair redone for an adult.
Because of it's design there isn't the dead weight center of gravity in their butt so it's easier to move them or easier for them to help move themselves as not as much work. They can be expensive but you can find them sometimes in resale shops. Our neighbor had hip surgery and it was one of those bad parts recall so they had to have surgery redone. They got 3 adult high chairs: 2 regular and one in plastic with holes for shower & bathing as a part of the settlement in the redo of the surgery. They are keeping them as it is just so much easier to move. I had never seen them till they got theirs. They are somewhat heavy as they have a wider seat and cross bars an the bottom but have to to counterbalance the person's weight. Makes total sense.
If someone in your family is good with wood, they could probably make one using a wide regular chair frame and then angling the seat with higher and fatter legs. Good luck.
Yes, when the nurse comes, get out for awhile and get your bearings:) Take a walk or do something that relaxes you. Must take care of yourself:) Keep in touch. xo
I've had a caregiver couple days for 4 hours and it was working. Do you think this is just something because of being in hospital for 3 days and it will pass?
It sounds dangerous and impossible for you physically to continue to care for him yourself at home. What are your options? Have you asked for help or looked into placing him in a care home?
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thank you all again for your support.
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Because of it's design there isn't the dead weight center of gravity in their butt so it's easier to move them or easier for them to help move themselves as not as much work. They can be expensive but you can find them sometimes in resale shops. Our neighbor had hip surgery and it was one of those bad parts recall so they had to have surgery redone. They got 3 adult high chairs: 2 regular and one in plastic with holes for shower & bathing as a part of the settlement in the redo of the surgery. They are keeping them as it is just so much easier to move. I had never seen them till they got theirs. They are somewhat heavy as they have a wider seat and cross bars an the bottom but have to to counterbalance the person's weight. Makes total sense.
If someone in your family is good with wood, they could probably make one using a wide regular chair frame and then angling the seat with higher and fatter legs.
Good luck.
Keep in touch. xo