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Planning Ahead for Change
I am currently living with my mom (she is 92) but want to return to my home. She doesn't want to leave her home, but her bed is too high for her and the shower is going to get harder and harder to get her in and out. Her knees are really bad and eventually she will be in a wheelchair.
My home was originally a community for people over 55, has wide doors, and the shower area can be updated to accommodate a wheelchair. She currently lives in a manufactured home with narrow doorways.
My house is smaller and will accommodate the two of us just fine. There are no steps. She is somewhat fearful of going down the ramp at her home.
I've told her ahead of time because I need to contact a remodeler to fix the bathroom and make other changes. It will take a while for changes to take place. But we can look forward to it and she can have input on what furniture she brings with her. She seems to be taking it pretty well since I said it will be a year or two.
I do have a somewhat guilty reason to move back home. There is a walking path just steps from the house. Right now, I can't take a walk without driving and that adds to the time away from her.
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Sounds to me like you're doing a wonderful job. Caring, compassionate, and sensible.
No reason to feel guilty. Imagine how much worse you'd feel if your mother ended up being trapped in her manufactured home.
Keep up the good work!
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4 ReactionsThank you.
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2 ReactionsWhat Scott said! And if you can use the proceeds even a little bitn to add some extra conveniences for her, even better as she will have a feeling of participation. Please don't wait on the too high bed, that is actually a current danger. If she has a good mattress she likes, there are ways to lower it. Half height box springs, no box spring at all - just a platform, frames with adjustable legs. Falls from bed or getting in or out can be devastating.
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7 ReactionsI agree with everyone who posted, you are doing a wonderful job.
You're fortunate to have a reasonably accessible home you can share with your mom, @ruth46, and your mom is fortunate to have such a caring daughter.
My husband, with Alzheimer's broke his hip, about two years ago. Our bed was too high. While he was in rehab, I bought a mattress frame with shorter legs that lowered the bed considerably.
While he was away, I had the tub taken out and a shower bed installed with grab bars and a shower chair. The edge is about 4" high. He uses a cane now so can manage fine.
He also fell out of bed a couple of times. I was constantly up at night, monitoring his position on the bed. I wound up purhasing a sturdy bed rail. The bottom of it slips under the mattress and the rail is about 34" in length so it stops his torso from rolling out of bed. It also came with a detachable pocket to put things in, but we haven't needed that. Even with Alzheimer's, he adjusted well to the railing and now I have peace of mind.
My doctor suggested I get a rebounder for exercise. I was able to get a smallish one, about 36" in diameter that rests against the wall when not in use. Some rebounders come with handrails and there are many videos available on You Tube with walking routines. Earth and Owl is a good website. It's not getting outdoors, but it will help you move.
Best to you and your mom.
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4 ReactionsPlease don't feel guilty about that walking trail. It will help you be better at helping her. 🙂
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4 Reactions