I am thinking about having my 87 year old mom live with my family. How can I prepare myself for this undertaking?
She needs a knee replacement(s) & weighs 200 lbs. The doctor's are not recommending the replacement due to her age. Therefore, she is very close to being wheelchair bound.
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I don't know how severe your mother's knees are; but she could be walking with the assistance of a walker (and I'm assuming she already does) for quite some time. My FIL had crippling problems with both knees and walked many, many years without surgery.
Before having your mom move in with you and your family, seriously think of all the possible ramifications of such a move. If she becomes wheelchair bound, how will you be able to help lift her out of the chair? Is that even a possibility? She will need assistance to the bathroom and in and out of bed and chair. This is a huge responsibility.
I have an elderly Aunt who had to go into a nursing home as she became wheelchair bound and it required 2 people to transition her from one position to another.
It was actually easier for her to be in a nursing home and she has adjusted well. To be on the safe side, start researching assisted living and nursing homes to stay one step ahead as you don't know what is around the corner and being proactive can save you a lot of headaches down the road.
Extremely kind of you to be considering taking her into your home and all the responsibilities that go along with it. These are difficult decisions; hope things work out for you. Take care.
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Welcome to being a caregiver. I hope you can right all your caregiving needs, resources, and support right here on AgingCare.com. Check out our Special News to Caregiving Section https://www.agingcare.com/New-to-Caregiving and our Caregiver Forum where caregivers ask and answer questions and discussions. We are glad you have found AgingCare.com! Good Luck!
Before having your mom move in with you and your family, seriously think of all the possible ramifications of such a move. If she becomes wheelchair bound, how will you be able to help lift her out of the chair? Is that even a possibility? She will need assistance to the bathroom and in and out of bed and chair. This is a huge responsibility.
I have an elderly Aunt who had to go into a nursing home as she became wheelchair bound and it required 2 people to transition her from one position to another.
It was actually easier for her to be in a nursing home and she has adjusted well. To be on the safe side, start researching assisted living and nursing homes to stay one step ahead as you don't know what is around the corner and being proactive can save you a lot of headaches down the road.
Extremely kind of you to be considering taking her into your home and all the responsibilities that go along with it. These are difficult decisions; hope things work out for you. Take care.
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