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Partner’s Legs Won’t Respond — Is This Common in Later Stages?

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Path02
Path02 Member Posts: 2
First Comment
Member

My partner is in a later stage of Alzheimer’s, and over the past few weeks, their ability to move has drastically declined. They used to be able to stand with some help, but now it’s like the brain isn’t sending the message to the legs anymore. No injury, just a complete lack of response.

This has made daily care really challenging—especially with dressing, changing, and moving them between bed and chair. I’ve been researching ways to make things more manageable and wondering if there are tools others have found helpful at home.

Has anyone else gone through this? How did you adapt when mobility suddenly disappeared? I’d appreciate any advice or insights on what’s worked for you.

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  • marier
    marier Member Posts: 104
    Sixth Anniversary 25 Likes 25 Care Reactions 10 Comments
    Member

    My DH is stage 7. He is at times unable to stand up or walk. This of course makes caring for him extremely difficult. Hospice gave me a small hoyer lift to help me get him from the bed to the wheelchair. He wears a vest(very padded) which connects to lift. The lift then lifts him to a standing position and I can then place him in the wheelchair or on the sofa etc… Sometimes just getting him to standing position triggers his brain and he will then be able to walk on his own. Hugs to you.

  • cdgbdr
    cdgbdr Member Posts: 188
    100 Comments 25 Likes 25 Care Reactions First Anniversary
    Member

    If your partner isn't receiving home health or hospice services, please ask the doc to order this. They can give instructions and advise on a hoyer lift or other items that could help you. God bless you both.

  • Gator1976
    Gator1976 Member Posts: 46
    10 Comments 5 Care Reactions 5 Insightfuls Reactions 5 Likes
    Member

    Marier once they are at this stage you may want to look into memory care, both for them and for your health.

  • Carl46
    Carl46 Member Posts: 958
    500 Likes 250 Care Reactions 500 Comments 100 Insightfuls Reactions
    Member

    When my wife fell down six times in two weeks, I moved her to memory care for her protection. I always said I would place her when an institution could do a better job than I, and that time had come. Besides, I was hurting myself picking her up from the floor, and there was no reason for both of us to be in nursing care.

Commonly Used Abbreviations


DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
Read more