My mom suffered a stroke and then received a diagnosis of slowly progressive dementia this year. My...(our) issue at present is mobility. She has all but given up walking or moving but has no trouble getting out of bed in the middle of the night and sleeping on the padded mat next to her bed. I am puzzled because she seems to be immobile but has no trouble placing herself on the floor. I have a Hoyer lift for her so I can get her up but as soon as i leave the room she is back on the floor. I hope some one in this group might shed some light on what I believe is puzzling behavior.
We use lots of grab bars and 3 bed rails - small ones - one of each side of bed near her head and one at the foot of the bed on the side where she gets up atnight. We us a commode near bed for nighttime pit stops and safety bars around toilet area and on walls nearby - We mount them here and there - so that she can easily grab them as she walks around. - in the bath, near toilet, near shower, etc. Just notice where they 'touch' as they walk around - at our house we can 'see the oil from her fingers' on the walls, furniture, etc. That's where we install a bar.
If they know they have something to grab onto - they feel safer and may stay mobile longer. We just use those smaller 12'' bars. It does helps. Mount them at whatever angle is best for them.
We know there will come a time when this does not work - but for now - it keeps her safe.
I will be in touch
I think you are on to something. In the recent past I would find her out of her bed and safely on the floor.
When I tried to get Mom up she resisted. I purchased a Hoyer Lift which gave me the final say in getting her off the floor.
Mom has a strong walker so I will give it another try.
Thank you.
They are requesting some tests to be done on my FIL's legs this week to see if there is any reason he cannot use them (e.g. blood flow, etc). If those tests come back okay then we are guessing it is psychological.
They told my husband that if my FIL's comes home, he will have to be watched/helped 24/7. So, now the only option for us is a long-term care facility.
Good luck with your mom.