Many who care for their elderly parents at home face a transition from when their loved one can walk to when they can’t do so anymore. There can be many causes for this. For example, a person is unstable and falls, they’re generally weak, or their hips or knees are giving in.
It is easy to assume that a person not walking is immobile, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Many can use a walker, but that assumes good use of the arms and hands. Others need a wheelchair.
A person with some leg and arm strength generally does well in a wheelchair, but might need some physical therapy to learn to pull with their feet, or roll and turn with their hands. It might be a small portion of independence, but it helps keep the person active, and being able to get around on one’s own helps the self confidence.
Someone who can’t push themselves might need help getting around with the wheelchair. Being able to sit with the family and participate in everyday life is still better than being bedridden. Other option includes electric wheelchairs, and therapy pools to help strengthen muscles.
If your parent will be bedridden, it’s a good idea to ask the doctor for a home health nurse for a week or two – having a bedridden person in the home is a new situation for most caregivers. New challenges include knowing how and when to turn the person, how to move someone without hurting yourself, how to bathe the person, and so on.
Can my parent still travel?
The body might weaken with age, but that’s not necessarily true for the mind, and many elderly still enjoy traveling and taking part in family celebrations, holidays, and vacations. It is absolutely possible to travel, even if a person can’t walk.
If you or a loved one needs to travel long distance for whatever reason, we have several medical transportation options that might help you. We have, for instance, our experienced travel nurses can travel with your parent by car, plane, or even cruise ship. They often follow our clients home for the holidays, to weddings, and on vacations, and they can take care of all medical needs as well as handle luggage and papers.
Our Popular Med Coach Transport Service
Our MED Coaches are popular, and these medically equipped coaches can take your elderly parent state to state or even across the country, whether it is for moving, travelling to care, going home to the family, or on vacation. The coaches are large enough for a family member or friend to accompany the traveler, and you can even bring a pet.
The MED Coaches are large and comfortable with onboard bathrooms and kitchens. Each coach has a hospital bed with memory foam, and your parent can either sit up and watch the view through the windows or take a nap. Each coach comes with two professional drivers who will take turns in getting you to your destination and an experienced nurse.