Guest guest Posted October 27, 2006 Report Share Posted October 27, 2006 HI , I would advise you to purchase a wheel chair that allows your mom's legs to be lifted up and straightened out from time to time. Eventually, our lo's will become to stiff to move/bend their legs but my mother's 2nd wheel chair (the first one was one for transportation that collapsed) did not allow for this and the PTsaid that mom's legs were contracted far sooner than they should have been. Best, Courage Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 27, 2006 Report Share Posted October 27, 2006 Hi - I am sorry your Mum has come to the point where she needs a wheelchair. Probably a standard model will work well for her. My Dad had a standard one. We rarely used the foot props.. Dad like to pedal himself around the house. It not only gave him a little independence, but it preserved some of his muscle tone and also, most important prevented falls. As he got sicker, Dad was still quite capable of undoing any latch on the seat belt. As a solution, we got a lap belt and secured it in the back out of his reach. My Mother is very petite and also has a wheelchair. She has a junior size chair, certainly would not fit me! It also has balloon (inflatable) tires, which makes for easy pushing and a comforable ride. It is easier to lift in and our of the car. To tell you the truth, I liked Dad just as well compared to Mom's deluxe model. I would suggest you check the resale or thrift shops in your area. I am surprised that the nursing home dosen't have any. Also, put the word out among your friends that you need a W/C for your Mum. As far as getting out of bed goes, my suggestion is to have someone such as a physical therapist train your Mom how to get out of bed safely and easily. Dad would roll on his side, drop his legs over the side of the bed, and then use his elbow to shove himself up to a sitting position. From there he would sit on the side of the bed for awhile to get himself back together and from there he would transfer with help into the wheelchair, which we had at the bedside. We never allowed Dad to do any of this activity alone. Towards the end of his life, he needed much help in getting out of bed, but he did his best to make it as easiest on us as possible. Hugs, Gerry Wilmington, De. Daughter and caregiver of Dick Deverell. who passed away on 9/11/05 after a more than 4 yr. battle with LBD Wheelchairs Hi All I haven't posted for several months but I have been reading most of the e-mails. This nasty desease has been progressing in Mum and we have reached a stage where her NH is recommending a wheelchair. Mum's mobility is much worse and she has fallen several times. 90 percent of the time Mum cannot manage to get out of bed or her chair but 10 percent of the time she will have a short burst of mobility that gets her up and she then trips over her feet. The Nursing supervisor is going to arrange for someone to come and access Mum and give us advise on what sort of chair etc. but I wondered if you experienced people had any advise, caveats etc. to offer. I suspect that Mum's wheelchair needs will be constantly changing from here on in. Even though the Government pays 75% of the cost of the wheelchair I don't think we want to be trading it in every couple of months. I don't also think we necessarily need a new wheelchair. There must be all kinds of places that have used wheelchairs - I'm just not too sure where to look. We have taken Mum off the Seroquel so she is only on Aricept for the LBD now. Mum sleeps off and on most of the day. I know Mum has lost weight - she has difficulty eating even if someone is helping her. I thinks she is worried that she will choke on something. It is really tough to see this once vibrant woman just shrivelling up before my eyes. from Cresswell ON Canada Long distance CG to Margaret (Mum) aged 76 Lives at The Briton House, Memory Floor, Toronto DX Early Onset AD & PD approx. 2002 DX LBD 01/2005 Current Meds: Aricept, LD ASA, Levothyroxin, Calcium Suppl. Was on: Sinemet, Excelon, Seroquel Was given Risperdal in NH for a few weeks (Feb '05) Haldol several times in Hospital Jan 05 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 27, 2006 Report Share Posted October 27, 2006 Hi , Not too sure where your mother fits into the wheelchair scene but I suspect her legs and arms would still be able to help reposition her in a chair. If so, do not go into the tilt wheelchair with leg rests in the back. That totally eliminates repositioning of legs, ability to reposition and " walk " the chair, loss of mobility. I found with Mom there were 2 levels of chair, that which enabled leg movement, and then the tilt chair which was more for those who needed repositioning because they couldn't do it on their own. She should also have a head rest to lean back on when she falls asleep, if her position goes that way! So many of our LOs have heads that fall forward and that leads us to think about the tilt chair. They are both custom built. With the OT, changes can be made as needed until an upgrade is indicated. In my opinion and from experience 2 chairs should do it if LBD takes her to the end. I donated both of Mom's wheelchairs to her NH so you could start there with an enquiry as to used chairs. You will want it custom formed by an OT. I can't imagine being confined to a chair not built for me and not being able to express my discomfort!!! Oh , I've been there and know what you are going through. , Oakville Ont. Mother, age 92, died Aug. 12/06 after 13 year decline from PDD > > Hi All > > I haven't posted for several months but I have been reading most of > the e-mails. This nasty desease has been progressing in Mum and we > have reached a stage where her NH is recommending a wheelchair. Mum's > mobility is much worse and she has fallen several times. 90 percent > of the time Mum cannot manage to get out of bed or her chair but 10 > percent of the time she will have a short burst of mobility that gets > her up and she then trips over her feet. > > The Nursing supervisor is going to arrange for someone to come and > access Mum and give us advise on what sort of chair etc. but I > wondered if you experienced people had any advise, caveats etc. to > offer. I suspect that Mum's wheelchair needs will be constantly > changing from here on in. Even though the Government pays 75% of the > cost of the wheelchair I don't think we want to be trading it in every > couple of months. I don't also think we necessarily need a new > wheelchair. There must be all kinds of places that have used > wheelchairs - I'm just not too sure where to look. > > We have taken Mum off the Seroquel so she is only on Aricept for the > LBD now. Mum sleeps off and on most of the day. I know Mum has lost > weight - she has difficulty eating even if someone is helping her. I > thinks she is worried that she will choke on something. It is really > tough to see this once vibrant woman just shrivelling up before my eyes. > > from Cresswell ON Canada > Long distance CG to Margaret (Mum) aged 76 > Lives at The Briton House, Memory Floor, Toronto > DX Early Onset AD & PD approx. 2002 > DX LBD 01/2005 > Current Meds: Aricept, LD ASA, Levothyroxin, Calcium Suppl. > Was on: Sinemet, Excelon, Seroquel > Was given Risperdal in NH for a few weeks (Feb '05) > Haldol several times in Hospital Jan 05 > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 27, 2006 Report Share Posted October 27, 2006 , Here in the States, Medicare pays for the wheel chair if the MD prescribes it. It is rented by the month so trading it in is no problem. I don't know if you have Senior Centers over there, but they do accumulate used chairs. I got a " transport " chair which was just used to move mom. She couldn't turn the wheels to move herself, I pushed her. Later she was in a chair from the nh and she " walked " herself around in it. I started from the beginning with a small leather pillow that went across the front of the chair so she couldn't stand up. The nh and the gov didn't like me " restraining " her, but I did anyway because I wasn't always at the nh and the aids didn't watch her. She didn't try and stand up. After while she didn't even like it when someone removed the pillow as it was her safety. I never had head and neck problems, but Courage did. You might want to talk to her too. Hope this helps. Hugs, Donna R Caregave for Mom (after I brought her from WI to MI) for 3 years and 4th year in a nh. She was almost 89 when she died in '02. No dx other than mine. Re: Wheelchairs Hi , Not too sure where your mother fits into the wheelchair scene but I suspect her legs and arms would still be able to help reposition her in a chair. If so, do not go into the tilt wheelchair with leg rests in the back. That totally eliminates repositioning of legs, ability to reposition and " walk " the chair, loss of mobility. I found with Mom there were 2 levels of chair, that which enabled leg movement, and then the tilt chair which was more for those who needed repositioning because they couldn't do it on their own. She should also have a head rest to lean back on when she falls asleep, if her position goes that way! So many of our LOs have heads that fall forward and that leads us to think about the tilt chair. They are both custom built. With the OT, changes can be made as needed until an upgrade is indicated. In my opinion and from experience 2 chairs should do it if LBD takes her to the end. I donated both of Mom's wheelchairs to her NH so you could start there with an enquiry as to used chairs. You will want it custom formed by an OT. I can't imagine being confined to a chair not built for me and not being able to express my discomfort!!! Oh , I've been there and know what you are going through. , Oakville Ont. Mother, age 92, died Aug. 12/06 after 13 year decline from PDD > > Hi All > > I haven't posted for several months but I have been reading most of > the e-mails. This nasty desease has been progressing in Mum and we > have reached a stage where her NH is recommending a wheelchair. Mum's > mobility is much worse and she has fallen several times. 90 percent > of the time Mum cannot manage to get out of bed or her chair but 10 > percent of the time she will have a short burst of mobility that gets > her up and she then trips over her feet. > > The Nursing supervisor is going to arrange for someone to come and > access Mum and give us advise on what sort of chair etc. but I > wondered if you experienced people had any advise, caveats etc. to > offer. I suspect that Mum's wheelchair needs will be constantly > changing from here on in. Even though the Government pays 75% of the > cost of the wheelchair I don't think we want to be trading it in every > couple of months. I don't also think we necessarily need a new > wheelchair. There must be all kinds of places that have used > wheelchairs - I'm just not too sure where to look. > > We have taken Mum off the Seroquel so she is only on Aricept for the > LBD now. Mum sleeps off and on most of the day. I know Mum has lost > weight - she has difficulty eating even if someone is helping her. I > thinks she is worried that she will choke on something. It is really > tough to see this once vibrant woman just shrivelling up before my eyes. > > from Cresswell ON Canada > Long distance CG to Margaret (Mum) aged 76 > Lives at The Briton House, Memory Floor, Toronto > DX Early Onset AD & PD approx. 2002 > DX LBD 01/2005 > Current Meds: Aricept, LD ASA, Levothyroxin, Calcium Suppl. > Was on: Sinemet, Excelon, Seroquel > Was given Risperdal in NH for a few weeks (Feb '05) > Haldol several times in Hospital Jan 05 > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 27, 2006 Report Share Posted October 27, 2006 I found an almost new transport chair at a thrift store, and paid only fifteen dollars for it. My husband wanted to get rid of it many times and I wouldn't let him. I have gotten him to ER with the chair out our door and to the car, and use the ER chair to get him from the car. We live one mile from the hospital, and I can usually judge how severe his chest pains are and whether to take him or call an ambulance. When I take him, I save from 4 to 500 dollars, and a lot of time. I agree with Sharon. Shop where people give away, donate, or sell cheaply. Imogene In a message dated 10/27/2006 11:24:24 PM Central Daylight Time, LadySmilingAtU2@... writes: hello sarah and ed, i am not sure how it is done in canada, but i have a few suggestions, maybe one will help you. many nursing homes can order wheelchairs for your loved one, that can be done thru the occupational or physical thereapy depts. also many thrift stores-- goodwill, salvation army, etc, the red cross maybe able to help you. also put an ad in the classfieds, you may have someone who is willing to give, sell, one to you. how about fleamarkets or yard sales, but i guess it s the wrong time of year for it in canada. i just wanted to suggest a few, hope something works hugs, sharon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 27, 2006 Report Share Posted October 27, 2006 The wheelchair we had for my Mom was a manual (no motorize) chair that had a wide seat. The reason for the wide seat was for comfort. We got an egg crate pillow to put on the bottom for more comfort. We found that sitting in the chair for long periods of time made her bottom sore. We got the chair from hospice at no charge. Its the only chair we got. It was a used chair so I don't see why you would have to get a new one unless you wanted one. Even though the chair was sanitized by the company that issued it I went over it with my own sanitizer. Just my opinion. Hugs from Florida Jacqui Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 27, 2006 Report Share Posted October 27, 2006 hello sarah and ed, i am not sure how it is done in canada, but i have a few suggestions, maybe one will help you. many nursing homes can order wheelchairs for your loved one, that can be done thru the occupational or physical thereapy depts. also many thrift stores-- goodwill, salvation army, etc, the red cross maybe able to help you. also put an ad in the classfieds, you may have someone who is willing to give, sell, one to you. how about fleamarkets or yard sales, but i guess it s the wrong time of year for it in canada. i just wanted to suggest a few, hope something works hugs, sharon ---- /Ed wrote: Hi All I haven't posted for several months but I have been reading most of the e-mails. This nasty desease has been progressing in Mum and we have reached a stage where her NH is recommending a wheelchair. Mum's mobility is much worse and she has fallen several times. 90 percent of the time Mum cannot manage to get out of bed or her chair but 10 percent of the time she will have a short burst of mobility that gets her up and she then trips over her feet. The Nursing supervisor is going to arrange for someone to come and access Mum and give us advise on what sort of chair etc. but I wondered if you experienced people had any advise, caveats etc. to offer. I suspect that Mum's wheelchair needs will be constantly changing from here on in. Even though the Government pays 75% of the cost of the wheelchair I don't think we want to be trading it in every couple of months. I don't also think we necessarily need a new wheelchair. There must be all kinds of places that have used wheelchairs - I'm just not too sure where to look. We have taken Mum off the Seroquel so she is only on Aricept for the LBD now. Mum sleeps off and on most of the day. I know Mum has lost weight - she has difficulty eating even if someone is helping her. I thinks she is worried that she will choke on something. It is really tough to see this once vibrant woman just shrivelling up before my eyes. from Cresswell ON Canada Long distance CG to Margaret (Mum) aged 76 Lives at The Briton House, Memory Floor, Toronto DX Early Onset AD & PD approx. 2002 DX LBD 01/2005 Current Meds: Aricept, LD ASA, Levothyroxin, Calcium Suppl. Was on: Sinemet, Excelon, Seroquel Was given Risperdal in NH for a few weeks (Feb '05) Haldol several times in Hospital Jan 05 -- Daugher of Leonard, diag May 2004, had lbd since 1993, had hip surgery from fall 7/05, aspiration pneumonia 7/05 with pulmonary embolyis, had aspiration pneumonia and uti 8/05, died of blood pressure drop on 9/25/05, may he rest in peace with his mom and dad, a smile a day keeps the meanies away Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 28, 2006 Report Share Posted October 28, 2006 Hi ... maybe it's different at your mom's nursing home... but my mom didn't have to buy a wheelchair at all... The NH provided her with one when she was first admitted. She was in a jerri chair for awhile and then upgraded to a regular wheelchair. They provided a pad with a lip on the chair to make it a tad more difficult to get out of the chair (although she did try and get up once and went into the ER b/c of it) -- but it was much more manageable than the jerri chair -- so didn't get rid of the chair after the episode with the ER. You may also inquire about The Merry Chair http://www.merrywalker.com/ maybe there's one available to use at the NH? But, again, make sure they really want you to buy a chair b/c at least w/ my mom -- we didn't buy a chair... PS -- BTW I was hoping my mom would be able to wheel herself around -- and I tried teaching her how to move around using her arms -- she would get it only when I was showing her, the rest of the time she didn't remember that she could move around by herself (like the other residents) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 29, 2006 Report Share Posted October 29, 2006 , I didn't have to buy Mom a wheel chair while she was in the nh. They provided one. She could wheel it with her hands, but she could move her feet and walk around very well. The leg rests were removed from the chair and she just " walked " it around. Like " s mom, she could learn to use her hands, but she did fine. Donna R Caregave for Mom (after I brought her from WI to MI) for 3 years and 4th year in a nh. She was almost 89 when she died in '02. No dx other than mine. Re: Wheelchairs Hi ... maybe it's different at your mom's nursing home... but my mom didn't have to buy a wheelchair at all... The NH provided her with one when she was first admitted. She was in a jerri chair for awhile and then upgraded to a regular wheelchair. They provided a pad with a lip on the chair to make it a tad more difficult to get out of the chair (although she did try and get up once and went into the ER b/c of it) -- but it was much more manageable than the jerri chair -- so didn't get rid of the chair after the episode with the ER. You may also inquire about The Merry Chair http://www.merrywalker.com/ maybe there's one available to use at the NH? But, again, make sure they really want you to buy a chair b/c at least w/ my mom -- we didn't buy a chair... PS -- BTW I was hoping my mom would be able to wheel herself around -- and I tried teaching her how to move around using her arms -- she would get it only when I was showing her, the rest of the time she didn't remember that she could move around by herself (like the other residents) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 29, 2006 Report Share Posted October 29, 2006 One of the ladies in the nursing home where I volunteer has LBD with some mobility left and they've given her a wheelchair/walker combination so she can walk when she feels able, and still be safe (whole thing is " enclosed " by a rail) and use it as a wheelchair when she is not strong. Diane > > Hi All > > I haven't posted for several months but I have been reading most of > the e-mails. This nasty desease has been progressing in Mum and we > have reached a stage where her NH is recommending a wheelchair. Mum's > mobility is much worse and she has fallen several times. 90 percent > of the time Mum cannot manage to get out of bed or her chair but 10 > percent of the time she will have a short burst of mobility that gets > her up and she then trips over her feet. > > The Nursing supervisor is going to arrange for someone to come and > access Mum and give us advise on what sort of chair etc. but I > wondered if you experienced people had any advise, caveats etc. to > offer. I suspect that Mum's wheelchair needs will be constantly > changing from here on in. Even though the Government pays 75% of the > cost of the wheelchair I don't think we want to be trading it in every > couple of months. I don't also think we necessarily need a new > wheelchair. There must be all kinds of places that have used > wheelchairs - I'm just not too sure where to look. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 5, 2006 Report Share Posted November 5, 2006 Hi The physiotherapist assessed mom and had someone from Therapy Supplies come and order the wheelchair that was especially sized for her. Because of the awful bedsore she had they also reccommended an special air pillow seat. The chair " tilts " and this is handy when I lift her up to reposition her although I rarely put her in the tilt position as it seems to me, that that would put the pressure exactly where the bedsore is. Be wary that she has her legs sometimes straight and sometimes bent. My mom got contracted leg muscles due to lack of physio and she never walked after her hip surgery. I can't put her in my car, because she can't stand and requires 2 people to lift her or risk as skin tear. I know Courage had the same problem with her mom and contracted leg muscles. The tilt chairs are heavier and not good for transport, but I push my mom to the mall anyway because that is the only way I can take her out unless I call ahead for wheeltrans. Good Luck. I have been thinking of you. Kath in Toronto /Ed wrote: Hi All I haven't posted for several months but I have been reading most of the e-mails. This nasty desease has been progressing in Mum and we have reached a stage where her NH is recommending a wheelchair. Mum's mobility is much worse and she has fallen several times. 90 percent of the time Mum cannot manage to get out of bed or her chair but 10 percent of the time she will have a short burst of mobility that gets her up and she then trips over her feet. The Nursing supervisor is going to arrange for someone to come and access Mum and give us advise on what sort of chair etc. but I wondered if you experienced people had any advise, caveats etc. to offer. I suspect that Mum's wheelchair needs will be constantly changing from here on in. Even though the Government pays 75% of the cost of the wheelchair I don't think we want to be trading it in every couple of months. I don't also think we necessarily need a new wheelchair. There must be all kinds of places that have used wheelchairs - I'm just not too sure where to look. We have taken Mum off the Seroquel so she is only on Aricept for the LBD now. Mum sleeps off and on most of the day. I know Mum has lost weight - she has difficulty eating even if someone is helping her. I thinks she is worried that she will choke on something. It is really tough to see this once vibrant woman just shrivelling up before my eyes. from Cresswell ON Canada Long distance CG to Margaret (Mum) aged 76 Lives at The Briton House, Memory Floor, Toronto DX Early Onset AD & PD approx. 2002 DX LBD 01/2005 Current Meds: Aricept, LD ASA, Levothyroxin, Calcium Suppl. Was on: Sinemet, Excelon, Seroquel Was given Risperdal in NH for a few weeks (Feb '05) Haldol several times in Hospital Jan 05 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 6, 2006 Report Share Posted November 6, 2006 Kath, Its so nice to hear from you again. Hope all is well with you and yours. Courage Re: Wheelchairs Hi The physiotherapist assessed mom and had someone from Therapy Supplies come and order the wheelchair that was especially sized for her. Because of the awful bedsore she had they also reccommended an special air pillow seat. The chair " tilts " and this is handy when I lift her up to reposition her although I rarely put her in the tilt position as it seems to me, that that would put the pressure exactly where the bedsore is. Be wary that she has her legs sometimes straight and sometimes bent. My mom got contracted leg muscles due to lack of physio and she never walked after her hip surgery. I can't put her in my car, because she can't stand and requires 2 people to lift her or risk as skin tear. I know Courage had the same problem with her mom and contracted leg muscles. The tilt chairs are heavier and not good for transport, but I push my mom to the mall anyway because that is the only way I can take her out unless I call ahead for wheeltrans. Good Luck. I have been thinking of you. Kath in Toronto /Ed wrote: Hi All I haven't posted for several months but I have been reading most of the e-mails. This nasty desease has been progressing in Mum and we have reached a stage where her NH is recommending a wheelchair. Mum's mobility is much worse and she has fallen several times. 90 percent of the time Mum cannot manage to get out of bed or her chair but 10 percent of the time she will have a short burst of mobility that gets her up and she then trips over her feet. The Nursing supervisor is going to arrange for someone to come and access Mum and give us advise on what sort of chair etc. but I wondered if you experienced people had any advise, caveats etc. to offer. I suspect that Mum's wheelchair needs will be constantly changing from here on in. Even though the Government pays 75% of the cost of the wheelchair I don't think we want to be trading it in every couple of months. I don't also think we necessarily need a new wheelchair. There must be all kinds of places that have used wheelchairs - I'm just not too sure where to look. We have taken Mum off the Seroquel so she is only on Aricept for the LBD now. Mum sleeps off and on most of the day. I know Mum has lost weight - she has difficulty eating even if someone is helping her. I thinks she is worried that she will choke on something. It is really tough to see this once vibrant woman just shrivelling up before my eyes. from Cresswell ON Canada Long distance CG to Margaret (Mum) aged 76 Lives at The Briton House, Memory Floor, Toronto DX Early Onset AD & PD approx. 2002 DX LBD 01/2005 Current Meds: Aricept, LD ASA, Levothyroxin, Calcium Suppl. Was on: Sinemet, Excelon, Seroquel Was given Risperdal in NH for a few weeks (Feb '05) Haldol several times in Hospital Jan 05 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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