My mother has been evaluated by a physical therapist and receives physical therapy at home and by a physical medicine doctor and she's been told she should be using her walker not just a cane. But she isn't using it whenever she goes to other doctor appointments, the grocery store, out to restaurants with her brother. She uses the cane (my uncle tells me) and lurches about leaning on things with her other hand. She simply will NOT listen and has fallen several times but has bones as stubborn as she is so no serious damage so far. I just simply don't know what to do. I am many states away so my involvement is by phone only though frequent. To make matters worse my mother has become angry at my uncle and is resisting accepting his help and not being honest with him about problems she's having where she needs his assistance. What on earth can I do? I am no position to move her to my location at this time, so whatever I do must be accomplished with her where she is at home. I have talked with her doctor but the doctor cannot force her to do anything and my mother lies straight to the doctor's face about what she's doing.
Whirlpool, I though I had mentioned this, but it might have been in some other post. Since you cannot be "on the scene" with your Mom, have you considered finding a geriatric care manager? If you can afford it, it might be beneficial to your Mom and to your peace of mind to have someone coordinating on the home front and keeping in close communications with you. I saw some references to that option in the tabs at the top of this website (maybe under Elder Care). You can always use the search box to find the exact reference articles. I hope you find the assistance you need soon.
(to her as well as your Uncle), and it will get your Mom used to having in-home assistance. She may likely object, but again, you have to be firm and just tell her it is "doctor's orders" (at least until her skilled care sessions are done). I'm sure it is difficult to manage her care from afar, but until you can make other living arrangements for her, thank goodness you have your uncle to rely on for accurate input on the dailiy situation with your Mom. I hope some of this info is helpful to you.