Find Senior Care (City or Zip)
Join Now Log In
T
TLC1977 Asked February 2015

How do I get my stubborn Mom to use a wheelchair?

I'm the sole caregiver for both my elderly parents, with little to no help. My mom is too weak to walk, but uses a cane. Her cane isn't enough support, because she now starting to fall and hurt herself. She refuses any outside help and expects me to take her to her doctors appointments, etc. Last week she had a bad fall while using her cane. I'm trying to get her to use a wheelchair when I'm taking her to her appts., because I'm afraid she will fall again. She refuses to except that she's too weak to walk, even with the assistance of the cane; even short distances. She is really refusing to use a wheelchair and often gets angry with me, because I no longer want to take her anywhere knowing her cane isn't supportive enough. Do I totally put my foot down and stop taking her places? Maybe that will make her think logical and use a wheelchair.

TLC1977 Feb 2015
Thank you all so much for your advice. I actually had a "talk" yesterday and freqflyer solution really worked. She cried a little, but of course I consoled her and she was fine.
I really love this site, because we can all come together and share, give advise, and even help one another feel a little better at time.

Thanks again!!! I appreciate you all.

freqflyer Feb 2015
TLC1977, no matter what age we are, some of us can still feel vain and in denial.... your Mom sounds like my Mom, as it wasn't easy to get her to use a cane. Good heavens, what would the neighbors think if they saw her with a cane.... well, I bet they would think "it's about time" since my Mom is in her 90's.

My Dad tried to get my Mom to try out his new rolling walker, which he thinks it is the best thing since sliced bread, but Mom refused. So whenever we go to doctor appointments, Dad is already down the hall at the doctor's office while Mom is slowly creeping along with her cane.

Ask your Mom what would she suggest to help her move about. I find if my parent think it is their idea, they are more apt to use whatever they suggest. It took a physical therapist to suggest a rolling walker for my Dad, so he jumped on that idea, and I quickly ran out and bought one.... if I had suggested it, never mind he wouldn't use it :P

ADVERTISEMENT


BarbBrooklyn Feb 2015
If your mom doesn't have dementia ( and she may), I would not take her anywhere until she is assessed by her doctor and a physical therapist for what sort of support she needs while/if walking. Not only will she injure herself, she will injure you in the process.

Have her transported in an ambulette (at her expense) until you can get this sorted out. I would also call her doctor in advance of any appointment and tell her/him what the issue is.

calliebug14 Feb 2015
if she cant walk and can only walk with someong holding her up and helrping her walk than tell her that when she uses the wheel chair it will hlep her and she can ride in it instead of walking.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ask a Question

Subscribe to
Our Newsletter