Mom went to 3 weeks of rehab , she did fantastic while there . When she was discharged she was stand by assist walked 50 feet . She comes home and the next day she does great and now the 4th day heck no she won't do anything. She would rather be pushed in the wheelchair then walk and she can walk . She has Alzheimer's and dementia and also arthritis and bil blood clots in her legs .. So I know she has pain . I'm a Rehab RN and I medicate her prior to getting up and walking her . My sister Geri passed away August 10 2013 age 49 of sudden cardiac death she also was a RN so we both took care of mom but I'm on my own now.i told her mom you have to walk , I have to get up a hour early for work so i can get you up .. She said then get up 2 hours early ... I said that would be 0400 .. She said so what ? I work 12 hour shifts I said you can't believe I'll do that . So do I argue with her make her walk or give up and let her use the wheelchair ? I told her she has to keep mobile I have psoriatic arthritis myself and have gone pain.i tell her mom you have to walk she said no I won't .... But she did great in therapy ... what would you do ? Has anyone ever had this problem ? Thank you in advance
14 Answers
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First
Even though Mom's physical therapy was 15 years ago, she [97] still does all her exercises daily according to what "Brian" had showed her. Dad on the other hand, once the PT stopped, he stopped doing his exercises... [sigh].
What are the goals of her physical therapy treatment?
I would just add that after reading a lot about dementia, discussing it with the Memory Care staff, and her doctor, I realized that my expectations of my loved one conforming to normal behavior is not reasonable. I can't expect my loved one to understand the benefits of physical therapy. I can't expect them to feel the accomplishment of hard work in therapy. Their brain likely won't allow it. My reasoning is that of an undamaged brain. I can't force her to get it. At some point I have to ask if my expectations are reasonable.
Maybe for some reason she was more prone to therapy while at the center. She may or may not ever return to that level. Their ability for certain tasks fluctuate from day to day.
My loved one fell and fractured her spine and later her hand. Due to her dementia, Traditional physical therapy was not feasible for her. I would find a plan of treatment that she is able to cooperate with and that doesn't cause undue anxiety for you.
ADVERTISEMENT
I'm wondering if your mother isn't cooperating because she doesn't have the social stimulus as well as the other residents doing PT as well as she had in the nursing home. Not only is there often conversation, but sometimes residents can get competitive with others in PT and that acts as an incentive to work out.
Is there anyone with her during the day? Can you get her doctor to script for home PT and possibly OT if she needs it?
Another possibility is to get her one of the reasonably priced pedalers. They're essential bike pedals mounted in either a lightweight frame or a more expensive one, as the rehab facilities use. They can be attached to a table for arm use or just put on the floor for leg use. It would help her keep her leg strength up but allow her to just sit while doing it.