Steve has been falling more lately; thankfully, he hasn't seriously injured himself. The nurse at the ALF had PT look at him, and the first thing that was recommended was a soft helmet. I purchased one, and they put it on Steve when he's in a walking mood. Funny, the nurse said at first he'd try to run away when they put the helmet on, but now he stands still for it. Is that learning happening in his brain?????
Anyway, now the physical therapist has recommended a wheelchair. Steve is completely ambulatory, so it wouldn't be the usual progression from cane/walker/to wheelchair. The therapist will modify it so the seat slants backwards and it's more difficult to get out of; he's suggestion that every 2 hours the staff get Steve up and walk with him. The reason he's falling is because of poor vision and agnosia; he literally walks into things.
I think because of the sudden change to a chair, it will be hard for me to accept emotionally. Just can't picture my husband, who was so physically fit (went to the gym every day, played golf) now in a wheelchair at 68. I know I'll have to accept it, I'll keep telling myself it's for his safety. But it's another step towards the inevitable. This is happening at the same time as one of my dear friends is dying from cancer. Her husband was told she won't last the week. So much loss, but I will get through it.
As you know Marilyn, Jeff is in a very similar place. The wheelchair was supplied by Hospice a couple months ago, but has gotten increasing usage. I think it would be easier on everyone if he would just stay put in it, but he continues to have the impulse to stand up...at which point he is very wobbly. When he doesn't want to sit, I find I can get him to walk (shuffle, more like,) about 10 feet before he's struggling to hold himself up. As I've said to family who know him well, I think that impulse to get up because he needs to "do something" is going to be the last thing to go.
Yes. Alzheimer's grows plaque on existing synapses (where we have already learned something); but, it does not shut down the creation of new synapses. A tiny silver lining is that our spouses do learn new things.
Once they have considerable plaque on operational synapses outsiders may not notice because they can't do anything noticeable with the new ones.
That doesn't change that they might become more accustomed to something or familiar with new things.
Unfortunately once the synapse exists, it becomes possible that plaque grows on that too.
Dear Marilyn, I am so sorry that Steve has hit this milestone, I can only imagine how difficult it will be to see him in a chair. Yes, it's for his safety but it is still emotionally hard on us to witness another change without thinking about all that's been lost and what will be in the future. And yes, I agree with Wolf, it can be new learning...I've seen Rich learn new things that I thought he would no longer be able to.
My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time and I know what you're going through with your friend. I too have a dear friend who is dying of cancer-I just got back from a quick trip to FL to see her before she passes. So much heartache in all our lives. Hang in there dear friend.
My dh always told me "NO wheelchair"...well...the time came at the age of 65 and 3 months before he passed. He loved it once he got use to it. I would run through the house with him and he even laughed. I put a bell on the arm and a small American flag. He called it his car. It made it so much easier for me and I could wheel him right up to the table for meals or a snack when he was still eating. It is what it is and most have to just accept that....My suggestion is to let him know you think it is a great idea and a fun type thing. Good luck to you.
It's hard Marilyn, so sorry. Lynn had a lot of falls and he too went from walking to a wheelchair. (no progression to cane walker etc.) It was really hard at first to see. He can't walk at all now but we do use the stand lift just to give his legs and lungs a little workout. It has made a huge difference in his lung function. If he can walk with assistance, I would try to keep him walking a short distance each day for this reason. ((hugs))
Yes I too am so sorry for you sadness Marilyn and send love your way. You were so helpful and straight up with me when I was in the deep crisis with Dado. It is very surreal to me reading your post, as things happened at lightning speed here and in only two years from diagnosis he was in a wheelchair. What a crazy unpredictable disease! I am so sad for all of you, and in a way...glad that Dado does likely not have to suffer for too many more years. Of course this I do not really know, but hope.
Love you MarilynMD and it will be fine with the wheelchair. You know, if it comes to the point where Steve is wheelchair bound most of the time, I really recommend that Roho pillow that Nikki told me about. He is not shifting in his chair so much now.
Spoke to the physical therapist yesterday, and he has changed his mind. Steve is still too strong and ambulatory for a wheelchair. Even one that inclines towards the back wouldn't keep him from getting up and walking. He will just ask the staff to keep a closer eye on him. We both agreed that a fall that would send him to the hospital would have serious, if not fatal, consequences.
Marilyn, even with the chair I almost expect it. Maybe I'm conditioned that way because my dad's death from Parkinsons was hastened by two head-injuring falls, so this possibility is never far from my mind. It seems that Jeff's risk of falling is diminishing though, in direct proportion with his diminishing strength. Still...except for the fact that I don't want him to experience pain and trauma, I don't think dying from a head injury is worse than lingering to the point of bed-bound.
Yes, that's exactly it. My fear is that he'll sustain that kind of fall and I won't get there in time, or prevail upon the situation enough to insist that--whatever the injury--it be managed in place at the ALF.