I'm noticing that she gets upset when I make her aware of health issue only because I care. She's blaming her no longer being spry while walking on a surgery that she had to clean area in neck. She's upset about the vision in one eye after having a cornea replacement that went well however pressure was high in her eye after surgery due to glaucoma and started seeing a specialist for this issue. A drainage tube was supposed to be placed in her eye and Doc had to go back in 2 more times. After she no longer had vision in her left eye. This is another issue that I'm up against. I cant find a malpractice lawyer in Columbia, SC because I would sue.
My Mum won't listen to me - but she listens better when a Doctor or Nurse tells her! Or Physiotherapist.
Has your Mum seen a Physio? Then you can 'blame' the Physio! "Mum, John the Physio said he wants you to practice using your walker".
And it may come down to you let her continue to have her way and she takes the consequences of her actions and attitudes. I know I sound mean, but it is simply a coping mechanism for myself...I can only change myself. Same applies to you..I wish you luck, it is a difficult path we are all on.
1. Malpractice attorneys. I haven't worked in this area of law for decades, but at that time the standard was for a med/mal attorney to order medical records and have them reviewed by a noted practitioner in the field. If that doctor didn't find evidence of malpractice, the attorney would not consider instituting suit, unless he/she was one of the less scrupulous ones.
Good attorneys didn't consider filing a suit if they couldn't find medical practitioners to support the claim of negligence. In some states, a supporting medical opinion may actually be mandatory to initiate suit.
So, first check the listing of the State Bar and see if it categorizes attorneys by practice areas. Then check out the websites of those med/mal firms, determine how much experience they have (you can usually check the State Bar directly as well since it indicates when the attorney began practicing).
Then contact the various attorneys, provide background information and/or send it, and ask for their opinion on whether or not negligence actually exists.
I am sorry to learn of the eye problems, and I know that just complicates life even further. But make sure you have a claim or you'll be very disappointed (and you WILL have to reimburse the attorney for records ordered.)
2. As to a walker or cane, get a physical therapist's advice on which is better. Canes do not provide the stability of a walker, but a walker also doesn't provide the stability of a rollator. You can research to see the difference. It really depends first on what level of support your mother needs.
Each can be decorated to induce compliments from others. That helps mitigate the stigma of using an assistive device.
I knew someone who painted flowers on canes, which can be decorated in other ways that don't interfere with use. A walker can have a basket, also decorated with lovely flowers. Same with a rollator. The beauty of the flowers is the attention and admiration they draw.
If you can turn these needs into complimentary situations, your mother can feel better about using them.
I wish you luck with these challenges.