Commented on a discussion 3/28/2009 at 12:03 pm
This is such a quandry, if it is really your mom who wants to stay in bed. You hate to force her to get up, but it is good for her, and will weaken her to just lay down all day. If she is physically a
...Read MoreThis is such a quandry, if it is really your mom who wants to stay in bed. You hate to force her to get up, but it is good for her, and will weaken her to just lay down all day. If she is physically able to be up, I'd get a comfy cushion for her wheelchair or chair she will be sitting in, and tell her she must get up for meals at least. (tell her it's the house rules)After she has eaten, maybe there is a place she likes to sit outside that she could be assisted to for like at least 1/2 hour or more as long as it's not in direct sunlight. Are there certain things she likes , such as does she enjoy iced tea outside, or are there grandchildren she would agree to be out there with for a while? If you tell her "for 1/2 hour", then stick to that unless she really wants to do it longer after she gets there. If you tell her something, and then go back on your word, it will become harder to get her out there next time. Is she having pain? Some times elderly people have pain and say they are "tired", when actually it's the aches and pains that are bothering her. Perhaps she could have some tylenol, and see if that makes her more willing to get out and about. If someone is actually being paid to care for her, it is not too much to ask for them to get her up for meals and to sit.