I'm afraid he may fall and really hurt himself but I also don't want to force him to do something that he doesn't want to do. He knows that once he starts using a walker, he'll become "dependent" on using one (his words).
So the thing to do here is to call your father's doctor and ask him to order an in home (or in the clinic, if dad is able to get out) physical therapy evaluation. You need a professional opinion on what dad needs in terms of mobility assistance, and he needs to hear from a professional that, if he needs a walker, what kind, etc, be fitted for one and shown how to use it. I completely understand his fear of becoming dependent upon it and he may be right. But if he's wobbly, there may be a better option, like a rollator. Call his doctor first thing tomorrow, you'll both be happier and less worried!
Jbrill, I can't tell you how many times I've had the same thought here! I sometimes come off as Bossypants here, I think, but it's mostly wisdom I've gained from this site!
When it's "our" parents, it's hard to see the forest for the trees. Stick around!
If they do order a walker or rolling walker I would watch to make sure he uses it. My cousin was supposed to use her cane, but she would neglect to use it and suffered multiple falls. She's now in wheelchair.
If your dad is able to understand how important it is to use what is needed, I would stress how not using it can put you in a wheelchair.
JBrill, it took my Dad having a backward fall onto his driveway which required a trip to the ER and for a physical therapist to say he must use a rolling walker, then and only then would Dad buy one.
The day I brought to his house this brand new shiny bright blue rolling walker that had hand brakes, seat to sit down on, and under the seat he could open and have a basket to carry things, he was like a teenager..... you'd would have thought I had bought him a Shelby Mustang :)
Dad's balance is so much better, and his knees don't hurt quite as bad... now if there is a lot of mail in his mailbox, he just tosses the mail into the basket and rolling off he go back to the house.
Last month we went to a doctor's office which was a long walk from the parking lot.... Dad left Mom and I in a cloud of dust.... he was at the doctor's office door sitting in his walker smiling. Now if only I could get my Mom to use one, but she doesn't want people to think she is elderly... [sigh].... so she moves along at snails pace with her cane.
When it's "our" parents, it's hard to see the forest for the trees. Stick around!
If your dad is able to understand how important it is to use what is needed, I would stress how not using it can put you in a wheelchair.
The day I brought to his house this brand new shiny bright blue rolling walker that had hand brakes, seat to sit down on, and under the seat he could open and have a basket to carry things, he was like a teenager..... you'd would have thought I had bought him a Shelby Mustang :)
Dad's balance is so much better, and his knees don't hurt quite as bad... now if there is a lot of mail in his mailbox, he just tosses the mail into the basket and rolling off he go back to the house.
Last month we went to a doctor's office which was a long walk from the parking lot.... Dad left Mom and I in a cloud of dust.... he was at the doctor's office door sitting in his walker smiling. Now if only I could get my Mom to use one, but she doesn't want people to think she is elderly... [sigh].... so she moves along at snails pace with her cane.