She lives with my brother and sister-in-law out of state, and I try to visit often. She has almost pulled us down several times, and our arms & shoulders get very sore after helping her walk, as she's a large/heavy woman. She refuses to use a walker, saying she doesn't need one. I'm afraid we're both going to fall, and be seriously injured. How can we convince her to use her walker? Her knees are not strong enough to support her anymore; it's not a balance problem. She's almost 82.
Dementia patients forget they can't do many things they once could. I think the key is to try to redirect them. I knew my brother could not walk and I was prepared for him trying. However, the sadness I endured knowing he will only decline was massive. When he was refusing the walker and chair I did not let him hold himself up on me. I did stay next to him and did hold his arm - don't let them hold your arm or lean on your shoulder - you will go down. I learned a lot from the physical therapist at the nursing home on how to helping without hurting myself if he falls.
She thought she could continue with her cane but she did much better with a walker.
Of course the opposite was true. Not a problem to put walker in trunk or backseat, corner of a restaurant, etc. Certainly an emergency room trip due to a fall is of more concern because we don’t want our loved ones to be hurt.
I solicted the help of nurses and doctors to tell her that she needed a walker and that worked for me. It became a safety issue for us due to mom having Parkinson’s disease. Best of luck to you.