Fractured Rib, Walker and other stuff

[Cinder & Smoke]

He has a cane, not a walker.
They felt he was not able to figure out how to maneuver the walker.

They also did not send home the "chamber and ball" ...
as he could not learn how to use that either.

He does have to do some deep breathing exercises.

No walker and no breathing exerciser?


This sounds like a cop-out on the part of the hospital discharge folks!

Walking (effectively) with a cane is a lot more difficult for an unsteady
elder person
than learning how to lean on and move with a 4-legged (NO wheels) walker.

SOME "walkers" are more complicated than a car -
* dual, independant fron & rear brakes (hand applied - like a bike)
* free-pivoting wheels - all 4 corners
* cargo basket
* seat to rest upon
* a BELL to clear the way
* personalized 'license plate'

If he NEEDS a walker, someone needs to get him a simple one and help him learn
how to walk with it.

Same with the Breathing Exerciser - TEACH him how to use it or plan to
sit with him and coach him through every step of the procedure.
MY Mom could never remember when to Inhale, and when to Blow - let alone
how to *hold* the darn thing. Mom enjoyed using it as long as she had a
cheer leader reminding her what to do and encouraging her by calling out
the readings.

[cassiesmom]

Just a thought. A cane might be easier to maneuver for Freedom's Dad than a walker because of his dementia. It might come a little more naturally to him as opposed to a walker. Same thing with an incentive spirometer - it isn't easy (especially when you don't feel well) to remember all the steps of using it correctly. Deep-breathing exercises might be simpler. Anything that gets him regularly deep breathing and avoiding pneumonia will help.

Freedom, I have you in my thoughts and prayers and I put your Christmas photo on my dresser today.

Hugs,
Elyse

Mom would agree to do stuff for Darlene that nobody else could get done

Nurses are funny that way!

[Catty1]

This might be a dumb thought for the breathing exercises...but are there balloons available that are 'easy' to blow up?

That might do in a pinch.

HUGS and prayers for you and your dad. I hope you get a job soon, and that your dad feels better and gets to a daycare program. He just might find that a lot of fun.

[cassiesmom]

Freedom, how is your dad doing? And how are you doing?

Thinking of you,
Elyse