Dad is 91 and has mixed type dementia. He seems to be moving into the middle/ late stages of this awful disease. He complains when he moves around (assisted by myself or mum) and he is very wobbly but I try to encourage him to keep moving and not sit for hours. Am I being cruel by doing this? I sing with him while we walk to the toilet etc which helps. Also dad keeps trying to sneak off the bed at all times of the day. Again we are discouraging this as we need him to sleep at night as mum who is 88 really needs her rest.
Should I encourage dad to keep using his legs
- Thread starter dancingmum
- Start date
Yes I think you are right to encourage him to walk as it must help his circulation. However if it really distresses him or makes him angry then I think you have to give up, but perhaps try again a while later. I guess he will eventually become bedridden but you are delaying that time.
My husband was similar and eventually had to give up walking as he fell so often.
You are doing your best - well done.
My husband was similar and eventually had to give up walking as he fell so often.
You are doing your best - well done.
Yes, I'm sure you're doing the right thing here.
There's an important principle which applies in many areas of life and for everyone, not just people with dementia. It is summed up in the pithy phrase 'use it or lose it!'. Of course on TP we're dealing with skills which will all be lost in the end but this is no argument for not doing anything and everything possible to try and preserve the skills for as long as possible.
There's an important principle which applies in many areas of life and for everyone, not just people with dementia. It is summed up in the pithy phrase 'use it or lose it!'. Of course on TP we're dealing with skills which will all be lost in the end but this is no argument for not doing anything and everything possible to try and preserve the skills for as long as possible.
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I agree with your approach. Excercise has so many benefits, it helps with so many things it is very much worth it. We now have in the care plan that exercise is a must do every day. We did this for various reasons such as sleeplessness , to prevent wandering, to prevent other unwanted behavior such as verbal aggression. Also we very much want him to be able to walk himself to avoid that we need to use wheel chairs since we know this will be hard for both him and us, his loss of independence. The more he walks this can prevent falls and help with his arthritic hip, since stronger muscles and tendons protect the hip . Also prevents diabetes.
Go to his GP with him and ask for help with his mobility they will help on what sort of "regime" would be good and can refer you to a occupational physio for further advice. Also social revives can help with a care plan that would help u to put it into place.
I am sure he will enjoy life more if he can get out and about and some fresh air, even if a short length of time. My dad has heart problems and arthritis, is 84, but Even his heart specialist said up to an hour a day would be very beneficial.
