My mother is 93, diabetic and just recently noticed small blister type bumps on legs. Legs are swollen because because won't drink enough water, won't keep legs elevated, quit doing small exercises for legs to keep groin muscles loose (she complains it didn't help but it sure helped when she was doing them in therapy), and doesn't do much but sit all day. She was told by foot doctor she needs to wear compression socks to help with the swelling, so they have to be put on in the morning and then taken off at night. Of course I will end up having to do that now too. My brothers lives 1/2 hour away and only visits 2 times a month so no need to ask him to do anything. Doesn't much volunteer for anything else. I provide mom extra food, get mail/paper in every day, take to all appts, make all calls, pay all bills, etc. now to just add one more thing for 2 times a day. I am getting so tired. She has to be careful if she would take a diarectic for the water retention since she doesn't drink much I don't want her to become dehydrated. Sorry for venting but Has anyone had any issues or good results with compression socks? thanks
I personally do not like recliners. Maybe because I am 5 ft tall and I just don't seem to fit in them right. Hard to put back down if the legs are needed to do it. The Lazyboy handle is too far down for me. I have to lean way over to get to it. Maybe Mom would be better with a nice comfortable chair with an ottoman. Ask her doctor, but I don't think their legs have to be elevated all the time.
Me, I am partial to my love seat. Pillows behind me to sit up and a place to keep my legs up. Easy to get on and off. Have already told my girls that I do not want a recliner when I go to an AL. Just my little old loveseat.
For those who to have Lazyboy or recliners with the side handle, there is an extention for them. I purchased one for Mom after it was recommended by homecare after her back procedure.
I suddenly realized that NOTHING was actually going to make her better and that all of these meds and treatments had a downside to them.
We got ONE doc (a geriatritian) and lost ALL of the specialists and most of the meds except for BP and anxiety.
My mother was a LOT better off with fewer meds and fewer specialists.
I understand the feeling of "another thing to look after, another doc appointment to go to".
Perhaps it's time for placement so that the staff can look after all these issues?
Go online and you will see what is available. Buying online is cheaper than buying from a pharmacy or a medical supply store. I was told by a Medical Supply store Medicare does not cover them. Measuring around the calf is how you find the correct size.
Make sure Mom keeps her legs up. My nephew told me all he does is pee when he wears his socks. Does she go to an endocrinologist? Congestive heart failure also contributes to swelling in the legs. Kidney function too. Has she had labs lately to see what her numbers are?