I am caring for my father
Ok guys I’m really hoping someone might help with advice please my father is 92 broke his hip in April 2020. With COVID going on in the world he could not go to rehab then we had 3 months no Physiothereapy. Now there in every 3 months so, 7 months on I have a dad who was mobile before his fall who can hardly walk 10 steps without it physically making him so tired. We have main stream carers who are only allowed to do bed exercises. But that’s only because we are keeping house clean and doing his meals. I’m praying that someone is going to say he will get his mobility back it’s just taking longer. He did go back in hospital in end of June with sepsis so that did knock him of his feet as well guess we are really lucky to still have him in our lives. I’m finding it very sad that he just can’t seem to go mobile he was so independent before April.
Thank you everyone who reads this and stay safe
Each person is different. Steadily increasing his activity will help him regain his mobility if he is able, 10 steps today, 11 tomorrow.. He might need pain management to push through in order to do the therapy. When my mom fractured her back, she said it didn’t hurt as long as she stayed still. Of course she couldn’t get better if she didn’t move and she knew that. She had to make herself take pain meds and deal with the side effects in order to regain her strength. She also made a full recovery. While going through this, other issues were discovered and she continued therapy until she died as it was necessary to keep her mobile.
Has your dad followed up with an orthopedic doctor since his surgery? What did they advise? We often see on news programs where someone was told they wouldn’t walk again, etc. but they keep after it until they do. I think in your dads situation, it will he hard, but with the right motivation and support, he could do it.
If I were you, I would have his primary doctor order home physical and occupational therapy and home health. They will do an evaluation of where he is and work with him to get him going. If he doesn’t want to do the therapy, I would encourage him, but he may have other issues that make it too difficult for him. Really listen to what he has to say. He may be content for things to remain as they are. My DH aunt, 94 and with dementia, doesn’t want to be bothered with therapy. She sits most of the day..but she is doing therapy only once a week and it has made a big difference in her strength. It is amazing to me how little it takes to make a difference.
Try reading “Being Mortal. Medicine and What Matters in the End” by Atul Gawande. It might help in discussing this and other issues with your dad..
When my mom did rehab we were given choices of the nursing homes and assisted living facilities that offered it. That was pre Covid though.
Have you checked all facilities near you to see if it is available?
My mom also did several rounds of home health. This program offers occupational and physical therapy along with an aide for assistance with bathing if needed.
A doctor can order home health for you. What has your father’s doctor told you about his recovery?
I am so very sorry that your dad experienced this fracture.
Best wishes to you and your dad.