I haven't posted anything for awhile. So, I will update you.
My husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2019.There was a lot of progression within the year. The last time I posted anything, he was still doing some things on his own. Showering, getting his own breakfast, etc. That is no longer happening.
Wherever we go we take cabs. Doctors appointments, laundromat, etc. Is it safe to take him out to walk? He shuffles his feet now and I am afraid he will fall. In the past, I would take him out and let him push the shopping cart as sort of a crutch for him.
Would like your opinions. Thank you.
I've often thought being confined to a facility in my old age would be torture because I derive spiritual sustenance from the sun, the wind, the bird song and all elements of nature. I also routinely took my mom out in her wheelchair because it was an easy way to be together and pass the time. Your needs may be different.
Everyone is going thru a bad time in this economy plus my husband's confusion would probably get worse. He doesn't
recognize much these days. Going back to the past alot lately. always asks about his family but they never call or come to visit. That's a whole other story. Its is very hard for me to watch
him getting worse. Thank you for your
iinput. Appreciate it.
I had many care clients with mobility issues who still liked to go for walks. I always insisted that we bring the wheelchair which I would push. So if they got tired or started to be unsteady, they sat down and I pushed them. Then again in those days, if a client fell I could get them off the ground, into the chair, and back home. I couldn't and wouldn't do that now. You shouldnt take your husband out walking anymore on your own. If you can get him into a travel wheelchair this would be the safest way to take him for a walk.
If you don't already have some homecare help coming, make an appointment with his doctor and talk about it. A homecare aide can be a great help to you. They will do the laundry so you don't have to bring your husband to the laundromat. The aide does the personal hygiene and will accompany the two of you to doctor's appointments or will even take your husband on his own. They will also drive so you don't have to take cabs everywhere anymore.
Please look into homecare. I wouldn't be taking him for walks on your own anymore unless you can use a wheelchair for him.
I do know that N. taking ME out, were I in deep trouble, would be kind of the pot trying to keep the kettle from burning.
I do DAILY see people with good walkers, walking with caregivers in my neighborhood. I agree this is something our OP should consider if there are assets enough.
Movement is better than sitting. We had Mom walking for about 16 years of this. Those that can walk and stand are less of a fall risk. Then for 2-1/2 years we got her outside in a wheel chair. Then the last 16 months she was bed bound.
If you have questions you can see if your PCP can get a PT to your house for 1 visit to work with you on safe walking.
Best wishes.
Side walks have a way of tripping us up if we don't lift our feet, and as we begin to fall, we can't regain our balance. Sometimes wheeled walkers help, especially the ones that are tall where you can stand tall and rest your arms high. They promote the posture and are good to grasp when a "trip" occurs.
The sidewalks in my city are in terrible condition now. I can walk much more easily on our "slow streets" which allow walkers, bikers and etc, as the asphalt is smoother, fewer ups and downs with curbs.
You might consider speaking with the doctor and ask if you can have a PT evaluation. Ask there about best type walker for walks, best shoes for walks and etc. These checkups and checkins are often promoted as they are preventative. Would rather pay for a PT consult than a busted hip and all that goes with it.
I sympathize. I love walking. But at 83 this year it's a whole different thing. About a month and one half ago I took my eyes off our crumbling sidewalks for seconds, only to look at a recently cut down tree stump, and I went flying. Blam! Hurt shoulder and bleeding hand was luckily the least of it, and a lesson learned.
It's good to hear from you again, but so sorry about the progression.
difficult to get down the stairs. I have fallen twice myself all ready down the
hallway stairs. It is a very difficult situation I am 69 years old. I have a bad
back. My husband that is the one with
dementia is 79. I have to watch the way
he gets down the stairs let alone myself. The struggle is real. He will be
seeing the neurologist in a couple of weeks for follow up. Will see what he says.
You could, however, get a wheelchair and go for a walk outside together. you can push him, and he can probably help to propel himself. If he feels the urge to try walking, he can use the chair to hold on to and steady himself. And it is there ready and waiting for him when he tires of walking.
I use my husband's wheelchair sometimes around the house, when my legs are hurting or feel weak. I also bought a rollator to help me when walking to my mailbox - which is about a block away. I don't like the rollator, because I can't lean my weight on it. It feels like I'm just pushing it around, and it rolls faster than my legs can keep up. A wheelchair is heavier, you can lean on it as needed, and it gives him the option to sit and continue your "walk". The rollator allows the user to stop and sit down for a rest, but you can't push someone on it.
I would not go far from home. And make sure you take a phone with you.
You can always call 911 for a lift assist if needed.
You both need to consider a move! A ground floor apartment, or an assisted living apartment. Really, this is not sustainable. Don't wait until one of you (or both, if you are trying to help him down the stairs) gets seriously hurt, and end up in the hospital and subsequently a nursing home.
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