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kemilie Asked..

How can I get my grandmother to do the physical therapy for her knee replacement?

My Grandmother, who is 80 and lives with us, recently had a complete knee replacement. She needs the other one replaced too but the Dr. said she needs to build some quad muscles before he'll do the next surgery. My Grandmother doesn't do nearly the physical therapy that she is supposed to be, and she's not senile, but on this topic she acts it. "I am doing it" (when she's not and she knows it!). I'm going to go crazy if I keep nagging her about it. Do you have tips? Are their pedometers that talk to you? Special watchers that have 12 alarms that can drive her crazy every hour and tell her to keep moving? Any way of tracking that's worked for anyone? Thanks for any input... she wants to be healthy (at least she says she does) and I want to help her, but I don't want to kill our relationship in the process

Jan 17, 2010
 
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Answers (1 to 1 of 1)

MindingOurElders said
Jan 17, 2010

As you've found, kemilie, we really can't make anyone do what they won't do. Nagging generally makes people resist. I am sure pedometers that talk may be available and in Internet search could turn up all kinds of gizmos, but if she won't, she won't. I would suggest telling her (since she doesn't have dementia or memory issues) that she knows what she needs to do and you want to help her. But you are done nagging. Then, let it go.

If you exercise, you could talk about how good it makes you feel. You could also talk with her friends or acquaintances to see if there is anyone with a similar situation as hers. If this person had replacement and actually followed through with therapy, maybe she'd listen. A lot of elders tune out family because they think they are being bosses around. With peers, they may be more open and even listen to them. Good luck. Remember, you can't make the choice for her, so don't let guilt eat at you.

Let her know you want to help and are there when she is ready.

Other than that - any ideas out there?
Carol

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