I'm trying to visualize what to expect. My mom now 91.5 has never been the stay in bed type. She tries greatly still to do everything herself. She is falling more frequently now, but has gotten very extremely lucky.
She has artery disease and leg ulcers on one leg now that is swelling and getting progressively worse. We are waiting for a big fall, and it's not a nice feeling, because she is so unbelievably frail. Can becoming bedridden happen any other way?
Does your mom have advance directives?
What does she want you to decide for her if she can not make the choices for herself?
Do you have POA?
Now to your question, dilemma
If she is willing to use a wheelchair and she can still transfer from bed to wheelchair or wheelchair to bed then she will not necessarily be "bedbound".
Or before the wheelchair will she use a walker?
there are transition phases before one is confined to bed.
If mom is living alone having someone there might help. while it may not prevent the "big fall" it will allow 911 to be called so she can be helped right away rather than laying on the floor for hours or even days before someone finds her.
And if mom is living with you or a sibling just know that a fall WILL happen and it is not anyone's fault most falls can not be prevented they happen even if you are right next to the person. (you can learn how to guide someone down so there is less of a chance of a more severe injury. And some are Break and Fall not a Fall and Break)
Take things day by day and enjoy each day.
If this happens, make sure they know she is an "unsafe discharge" and that she is not cooperating with your care attempts. Then ask to talk to a hospital social worker to discuss having her transitioned into a facility where she will get appropriate care. If this agitates her you may need to tell her "Therapeutic fibs" like, "This is just temporary until your ulcers are healed and you get PT for your balance problems -- then *your doctor* will allow you to return."
Resist any promises by the hospital to pressure you to discharge her back to where she was living, or to live with you. THis is a lie they tell to move people out of their hospital beds faster.
If you are her PoA make sure to take all the paperwork with you whenever you are dealing with her medical team or doctors or facilities.
I wish you success in helping her get the appropriate care she needs.
I'll say this. While she could still move and walk from the bedroom to the kitchen etc her health was better. Once you move to bedbound things decline fast.
There are risks to everything. Being bedbound brings a higher level of care to prevent decubitus sores.
A lot depends on your care philosophy. Mom always loved walking and being outside so we pushed walking for years. Mom never fell. Her brain simply forgot how to take a step.
People also like to do things for themselves and it gives value to their life.
Good luck. There are no easy decisions in this journey.
As an 83 y/o ex RN I can tell you that ELDERS FALL. Period. It is a brain thing, and our balance goes; we are unsteady on one foot, can't catch ourselves when we trip, don't lift our legs well, and on and on and on.
Falls are often the beginning of the end. One was for my own mom at 93.
You can do all you can to PREVENT falls and I am certain you are, but they will come and you cannot predict what injury will and won't happen.
This is a day at a time. Do what you can about prevention. When something happens you are a part of the medical and rehab team that works together to do what hopefully will work best for a unique as a thumbprint situation.
Best of luck. I am like your Mom. When I can no longer be on my feet I wish to go. Be certain your advance directives are done as to mom's wishes and be certain that you discuss all this with HER openly and directly.