increased weakness

BabstheBus · May 21

88 year old mom, at home with me, stage 6…

She is at the point where I'll need a transport chair soon. Struggling to stand and walk. Rallies a bit for PT, but presents weaker for me when no one is here. PT is going to come a couple times a week and wants her to do exercises again.

My question is this…when does PT become pointless? Loss of ability to walk is part of the progression…

M1 · May 21

sounds like you’re close. Have you thought about a hospice evaluation? If she can’t walk she’ll probably qualify. They can provide a lot of assistance…

Hope5757 · May 21

@BabstheBus -

I think my MIL is just a bit further along than your mom. We stopped PT a while ago because she became unable/unwilling to enjoy the socialization aspects. I think she could have done the physical parts for a while longer but it was clear she despised PT.

My opinion is that if your mom looks forward to the therapist visits, go ahead and continue.

The socialization and mental stimulation is important also.

BabstheBus · May 21

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/209934#Comment_209934

This is what I've been pushing for. Like I said, she presents differently when she is with PT or nurses or doctors. It's frustrating. Although today, as much as she was trying to rally, the PT did see how much she is struggling. But yes, not that I think she's got less than 6 months, but I could use the help that comes with hospice. I'll be adding caregiver hours anyhow, but it would be nice to get as much help as possible.

BabstheBus · May 21

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/209936#Comment_209936

Yes good point and worth it to continue because she likes attention. But eventually in the past, she gets tired of PT because it's hard work.

We'll see what happens. Maybe having PT for a few weeks, they will get more of a picture of the reality around here and at least keep records of her decline so when they DO think she's ready for hospice, it'll be easier to set up.

SusanB-dil · May 21

…"But yes, not that I think she's got less than 6 months, but I could use the help that comes with hospice. "

In cases with dementia, the '6-month' thing isn't a thing. If it turns out you do qualify, it is very helpful.

Hardmann · May 22

My mom has chronic weakness in her legs. As of today we decided to stop OT & PT and go with hospice. It was not what I was thinking of doing today but I think we made a better plan to go to hospice.
My mom is getting worse. We have a hoist in our house now along with a hospital bed. She is just getting tired and not wanting to go to the doctors anymore. Them coming to her will be a better thing. It is hard to get in and out of the car now.
We just waved our pros and cons to see which was better. Going on hospice was such an easy idea that we just decided to do it. With all the things that they have, I think it will be a better idea for both of us. I’m just excited that they have someone to come and help me give her a bath. I was always scared that something might happen to her or me geting her to the bath chair.

BabstheBus · May 22

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/210027#Comment_210027

Same situation with the weakness. I have a transport wheelchair that I'll start using in the next couple days. And what you said about hospice is why I'm hoping she'll qualify, but I'm not sure my mom will yet, because she still speaks and can have a kind of normal conversation sometimes. But yes, I am looking forward to someone else doing showers too. She's such a fall risk.

BabstheBus · May 22

Saw the doctor today. She's ordering hospice eval, but I'm not sure she'll qualify yet. There's just so much going on besides the cognitive issues, massive weakness, often nausea or constipation. There's no UTI or any other underlying explanation so this is progression.

increased weakness

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