My wife is 68, has advanced dementia diagnosed 8 years ago, and has been in a care home for 4 years, where I stay with her 4 nights a week.
She has everythging done for her, cannot talk and does not understand instructions, but is still able to walk slowly, with assitance, and still responds to me, to her carers and to regular visitors. Apart from meals the only activity she has is that she regularly goes out for accompanied walks lasting over an hour.
Over the last two years, her condition has stablilised with little deterioration and we put this down to keeping her mobile, so mobility is key, as there is little else she can do other than listen to music.
The current problem is that she tends to suddenly sit down, when there is no chair, particularly when in the tioilet or other confined space, or when she is being dressed – she does not do it while walking.
Typically ther carers prevent her falling heavily, but the home is increasingly concerned by the risk to the carers and we are meeting to consider the best options for managing the situation.
The home seeks advice from physiothrapists, but in the past their contribution has not always been very helpful, as they sometimes seem more concerned to enforce the letter of the regulation than to give constructive advice on keeping my wife mobile.
I am wondering if any others have had similar experiences and I am looking for advice
Many thanks
Mazo
She has everythging done for her, cannot talk and does not understand instructions, but is still able to walk slowly, with assitance, and still responds to me, to her carers and to regular visitors. Apart from meals the only activity she has is that she regularly goes out for accompanied walks lasting over an hour.
Over the last two years, her condition has stablilised with little deterioration and we put this down to keeping her mobile, so mobility is key, as there is little else she can do other than listen to music.
The current problem is that she tends to suddenly sit down, when there is no chair, particularly when in the tioilet or other confined space, or when she is being dressed – she does not do it while walking.
Typically ther carers prevent her falling heavily, but the home is increasingly concerned by the risk to the carers and we are meeting to consider the best options for managing the situation.
The home seeks advice from physiothrapists, but in the past their contribution has not always been very helpful, as they sometimes seem more concerned to enforce the letter of the regulation than to give constructive advice on keeping my wife mobile.
I am wondering if any others have had similar experiences and I am looking for advice
- Techniques to reduce the liklihood of my wife sitting down inappropriately
- How to handle it when she does
Many thanks
Mazo