Falling issues

Amber

So, my grandfather continues to prove that he is the most stubborn person in the world. I and my father are currently full time caregivers of my grandfather who has Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. He is currently a medium fall risk as diagnosed by his doc and physical therapist. He is still very independent, being able to do most things himself still, besides cooking.

He has fallen a few times in the last few months, mostly in the shower. We have shower/tub and cannot afford to change it to only a shower. We have a handle for him to grab and a chair for the shower that he is supposed to use, however he refuses to use it. Activity taking it out before showering.

I'm just wondering if there is anything I or my father can do to make it safer for my grandfather? We try to tell him that it is very important he use the things we have given him to prevent injuries. He won't listen to us and even when he does, he seems to forget a few days later. So he continues to do things his own way. He doesn't seem able to connect the dots that not using equipment = I get hurt.

jfkoc

It is really difficult to take away someones independence. You need to be at your clever best. How about making the Dr the "bad" guy behind changes and do have an occupational therapist come to the house for the express purpose of lettiing your GF know that the goal is to keep him independent. They will help with more than the shower.

Here is a link which may help;

https://www.lifewaymobility.com/blog/making-your-bathroom-a-safe-space/

SDianeL

it’s the disease not his stubbornness. He can’t remember. He can no longer reason. His reasoner is broken. He needs full time care. If you can’t afford to fix the shower situation, he should move in with family or to a memory care facility for safety. Do you have a DPOA?