My mom is 72 and my grandma is 94. The only time she has difficulty is when my grandma can't walk. Her knee gets painful and she doesn't want to put weight on it. She can't make it to the bathroom. My grandma refuses to wear diapers and ends up making a mess everywhere.
I'm currently looking to see if Medicare will pay for a wheelchair. I think they will pay for one, so I might try finding an indoor one on amazon or somewhere. I need a narrow one to fit into the bathroom. We also tried a commode, but she doesn't like it.
I don't think she will be able to use the wheelchair on her own (use her hands to spin the bigger wheels), so does she just need a transport chair?
Do you have any suggestions? The mobility issue is the main problem. My mom can't take her to doctor appointments. My grandma outweighs her.
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To get a wheelchair thru Medicare it will be heavy. If Grandma is not heavy, Walgreens carries lightweight ones. Sometimes they run sales and u can get one for $100 or less.
All wheelchairs are 18 in in the seat area. If grandma is a large women, a regular wheelchair will not be wide enough. There are "wide" wheelchairs. Wheelchairs for tall people. Back is higher, legs longer. Willie's idea is good.
Wheelchairs used to be available in different widths; I haven't had the need to use them as we had 2 already, so I don't know if that's still the case. If it is, you could get one of the narrower ones, assuming it fits comfortably for your GM.
Ask one of your grandmother's treating doctors for a script for a wheelchair. You might also ask about wheelchair pads; the chairs are not particularly comfortable.
And ask for one that has removable arms and legs; it's easier for transfers.
As to ramps, sometimes communities get grants for assisting residents. Last time I inquired was several years ago, but at that time I learned that grants are awarded on a fiscal year basis. There may or may not be any funds left, but it doesn't hurt to try.
The grants sometimes are for emergencies only. So it might depend on whether your need for a ramp is an emergency, or a "convenience."
If that effort isn't successful and you can afford to have a ramp built, search for "assistive" or "adaptive" contractors. They also sometimes exhibit at local Senior Expos. AAA used to host them annually but discontinued that in our area.