Roll Mobility Blog
Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimers
"Taken when I took an early retirement at the beginning of the Companionship Phase of her disease."
Frank Fuerst cared for his wife, June, for 17 years after her diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Below he shares his story, along with tips for other caregivers.
“My wife, June, had early-onset Alzheimer’s. It was only in retrospect that I realized her illness may have started ten years prior to the start of our seventeen-year journey with Alzheimer’s.
“Those ten years were ones that were filled with uncharacteristic actions on her part that she could not explain and I could not understand. Once we realized that something was drastically wrong, we began to search for answers.
“Because she was so young, however, doctors did not consider Alzheimer’s as a possibility. So, we struggled for three years not knowing before we got an accurate diagnosis.
“After a couple more years, a neighbor reported seeing her drive as if she were a suicide bomber. Since she was becoming a danger to herself and others, I took an early retirement. I call the previous five years her independent phase of the disease, not because she was independent, but because I was still working.
“My retirement began a pleasant three years that I call our companionship phase, during which time we did her favorite things. That phase ended all too soon when she declined mentally.
“She became dependent upon me for help with the activities of daily living. Those activities included bathing, dressing, eating, maintaining continence, and moving from place to place.
"Taken in the middle of her Dependent Phase."
“That dependent phase lasted for five years. During her final four years, she declined physically. I used a combination of day care, health care workers and nursing homes to give me a break occasionally from caregiving. That allowed me to keep June at home with me for the entire seventeen years.
“During those seventeen years, I became depressed twice. The first time was during those three years of not knowing what was happening. The second time was at the beginning of her dependent phase when I seemed to be assuming new duties constantly.
“In reading the journal that I had been keeping, I could see the frustrations that I experienced. Some time shortly after that, however, I began a major turnaround.
“Both of my parents had been raised on farms, and I inherited their strong farm-practical spiritual beliefs. Revisiting those beliefs through prayer allowed me to stop thinking of Alzheimer’s from my view and start looking at it from June’s view.
“I spent months writing what I imagined her thoughts to be. Then I prioritized those thoughts into a care philosophy that I called ‘care with dignity.’ Providing care with dignity was a major factor in my becoming a kinder, gentler, and more fully developed person.
“After caregiving, I spent two years leading an effort to bring more of the protection of the Chesapeake Bay Act to the streams in my county. After that, I used my journal as a basis of writing the multi-award winning book, Alzheimer’s Care with Dignity. I am currently leading an effort to improve road safety in my area. Looking to the future, I have taken a course on Lay Speaking, and have already given my first sermon.
“If I had a few thoughts to leave current caregivers, they would be these: Reconnect with your spiritual beliefs. Pray for the ability to reach deep within yourself and maximize the talents that you have. Have faith. You can become spiritually, mentally, and emotionally stronger as time goes on.”
Getting Out of Bed with a Walker or Cane
A walking cane helps you keep your balance when getting out of bed.
Fear of falling is one of the greatest fears for the elderly. Getting out of bed can potentially lead to a fall, but with the right movement and support, there’s no need to fear.
The tips below guide you through the process of getting out of bed and standing up with a cane or walker. If you have had surgery recently or if one side of your body is weaker than the other, you may need to consult your health professional for instructions on getting out of bed.
1. First, make sure your walker or cane is next to the bed, with the walker open and ready to use. If you are using a rollator, make sure the wheels are locked to keep it from rolling away.
2. Slide your body over to the edge of the bed. Use your arms and legs to push yourself closer to the edge.
3. Roll onto your side and swing your legs over the edge of the bed.
4. If your leg or hips are injured or weak, don’t roll onto your side. Just move your legs over the edge of the mattress as you slowly sit up, using your arms for support.
5. Sit on the edge of the bed for at least 30 seconds to regain your balance. Don’t rush yourself, and don’t attempt to stand up if you feel dizzy.
6. Place one hand on the walker, or hold on to the cane with your strong hand. Place the other hand on the edge of the bed.
7. Slowly push yourself up until you are standing. If one side of your body is weak or injured, put most of your weight on the stronger side of your body. NOTE: Do not pull on the walker or use it to support your full weight. If the walker tips over, you could easily fall.
8. If using a walker, move your other hand to the walker.
9. Stand still for another 30 seconds to let your body regain balance. When you no longer feel dizzy, you can start walking.
Adjusting Rollator Height
Rollators adjust to accommodate various heights.
Adjusting the height of the rollator is important to prevent tripping, hunching over, or changing the walking stance of the user.
If the handlebars are too high, the rollator will not provide enough support for the user’s weight. If the handlebars are too low, the user will have to bend too far forward to lean on the rollator. Either way, the user’s center of gravity will be thrown off balance.
Instructions for Adjusting Rollator Height
Here is how to adjust the rollator to the correct height:
1. Stand with your shoulders relaxed and your arms hanging loosely at your sides.
2. The handlebar height should be at the crease of your wrist when your arms are relaxed at your sides.
3. Loosen the knobs on the outside of the handlebars. For some models, this may be sufficient to allow you to raise and lower the handlebars. If so, move the handlebars to the desired height. Tighten the knobs.
4. If the rollator has bolts that go through the handlebars, remove the bolts and then move the handlebars to the desired height. Re-install the bolts and screw the knobs to the bolts. The knobs should be on the outside of the handlebars. Some frames have a hexagonal hole for the bolt head to fit into. Ensure the bolt head is properly aligned with hole before tightening fully.
Note: The seat height is not adjustable. If the seat is too high or too low, a different size of rollator may be more appropriate. You should be able to sit on the seat with the balls of your feet touching the ground.
Manual Wheelchair FAQ
Lightweight manual wheelchairs are easy to fold, lift, and store.
Need help choosing a manual wheelchair? Can’t figure out how to open or fold your manual wheelchair? See the FAQ below for help.
How do I choose the right size wheelchair?
Before shopping for a wheelchair, it’s helpful to take a few measurements of the person who will be using the wheelchair. Ask the individual to sit in a chair. Then take the following measurements:
- Width of hips (add 1 inch for bulky clothing) – This gives you the seat width measurement, the most important measurement that you’ll need.
- Vertical distance from underside of knee to bottom of foot – This gives you the correct seat height for the user. For most individuals over 5’4″, the standard 19″ to 21″ seat height works well. If you are using a wheelchair cushion, you may need to add an inch or two to the seat height.
- Distance from back of knee to back of buttocks – This gives you the seat depth measurement. A seat that’s too long can pinch the back of the knees. A seat that’s too short doesn’t provide adequate support for the thighs.
Write down the measurements and use them to compare wheelchairs online. It’s also helpful to know the individual’s weight to make sure he or she does not exceed the wheelchair’s weight limit.
What is the difference between a transport chair and a standard wheelchair?
A transport chair is designed to be pushed by a caregiver. A standard wheelchair gives you the option of either being pushed by a caregiver or propelled by the user. Transport wheelchairs are lighter in weight with smaller rear wheels, which makes them lighter and easier to lift into a vehicle. Standard wheelchairs are more comfortable for everyday use.
How do I fold a manual wheelchair?
The easiest way to fold a wheelchair is to grab the front and back of the wheelchair sling seat and pull up. Make sure the footrests are folded out of the way before folding the wheelchair.
How do I open a manual wheelchair?
Tilt the wheelchair slightly to one side and press down on one or both seat rails. Remember to keep your fingers out of the way so you don’t get pinched!
Susan Solovic: Cherish Your Aging Parents
"I realize the time is limited, so I make sure to always carve out time to share with him..." - Susan Solovic
Susan Solovic is a successful entrepreneur and caregiver for her aging father, a WWII veteran. Balancing the two roles is a challenge, but Susan says the time spent with her father is more than worth it:
“My husband and I have been caring for my dad for the past 4 years in my home. While it has been a challenge arranging our schedules to make sure he has what he needs, it has been a great experience, too.
“My mother and I were very close. I am an only child, and my dad and I never had much of a relationship. I knew he loved me, but the close relationship my mom and I had didn’t leave much room for Dad. Mom has been dead for over a decade.
“Since Dad moved in, we have had great conversations. I’ve really gotten to know him and learned a lot about his life. He’s a WWII veteran, and I never knew much about that. He’s funny, cute and a great guy. I’m really glad I’ve had this time and truly cherish it.
“As he gets weaker, I realize the time is limited, so I make sure to always carve out time to share with him rather than looking at it as an obligation or burden.
“He’ll be 87 on Wednesday this week.”
About Susan
Susan Solovic is the CEO of It’s Your Biz and a New York Times bestselling author. Find out more at www.susansolovic.com or www.itsyourbiz.com.
Caregiver Resources
Caring for an elderly parent? Here are some resources to help.
Taking care of a loved one can be rewarding and lead to personal growth, but the ups and downs can also leave you feeling overwhelmed. Fortunately, there are a growing number of resources available to ease your load and help you provide the best care for your loved one.
Setting up a support system and taking care of yourself are two of your most important priorities. If you’re not taking care of yourself first, you won’t be able to take good care of your loved one.
Listed below are links to resources that will help you find the support you need.
- WellSpouse – Support for spousal caregivers
- Checklists and Forms for Caregivers – Helpful forms for housing, finance, health, planning, legal, and end of life issues
- National Respite Network – Locate respite care for your loved one
- Caregiver Stress FAQ – Questions and answers on caregiving, health, stress, and finances
- Eldercare Locator – Connecting you to resources in your community
- The Caregiver Story Project – Know that you’re not alone. Read stories from other caregivers and share your own. Hosted by the National Family Caregivers Association.
- BenefitsCheckUp® – Find help paying for medicine or food
- Caregiving.com – Connect with other caregivers through blogs, forums, and more
- Today’s Caregiver – A magazine just for caregivers
- Medicare.gov – Caregiver resources and information from Medicare
- More Resources – A list of other resources from USA.gov
Bath Seat Assembly
Drive Medical Bath Bench Assembly
A bath seat improves safety and comfort in the bath or shower. The bath seat by Drive Medical is easy to assemble. Just attach the legs, adjust the height, and it’s ready to use.
Assembly Instructions
1. Take the bath seat parts out of the box and remove all packaging.
2. Lay the seat upside down on a flat surface so that all 4 leg receptacles are facing upward.
3. Attach the first leg by pressing in the push button and inserting the leg into the receptacle. When the leg is securely in place, the brass push button will pop out one of the adjustment holes, locking the leg in place.
4. Repeat for the remaining three legs.
Adjusting the Height
1. The bath seat height should be adjusted so that the user’s knees are parallel with or lower than the hips when seated.
2. To adjust the height, press in the push button and slide the leg up or down to reach the desired height. Align the push button with the correct hole. The button should pop out through the hole in order to lock the leg in place.
3. Adjust all four legs to the same height. Count the holes to make sure each leg is adjusted correctly. The bath seat should not rock back and forth when placed on a level surface.
4. To double check that the legs are locked into place, push or pull on each leg to make sure it does not slide up or down.
Wheelchair Ramp Selection Guide
Figure out the wheelchair ramp rise, length, and incline.
A steep wheelchair ramp is dangerous and difficult to navigate. For safety reasons, your wheelchair ramp should not exceed a 9.5 degree slope when the wheelchair is occupied. See the tips below to find the right wheelchair ramp for your needs.
Measure the Rise
To find out what size wheelchair ramp you need, first measure the rise (vertical height) of application. In other words, figure out the vertical distance between where the bottom of the ramp will be anchored and where the top of the ramp will rest. Measure the height of the stairs, landing, vehicle floorboards, or other elevated landing place.
Find the Ramp Length and Incline
Once you find the rise, use the chart below to find the correct ramp length that you need that is within the slope recommendations for your application.
Ramp Model Selection Chart
Slope Recommendations:
1:12 Slope (4.8 degrees)
- For wheelchair ramps up to 30 feet long and for commercial ramps (as recommended by the ADA)
- For most strong, unassisted manual chair users
2:12 Slope (9.5 degrees)
- Maximum grade for portable wheelchair ramp use for occupied wheelchairs or scooters with a qualified assistant
3:12 Slope (14.5 degrees)
- For loading and unloading empty wheelchairs and scooters
Safety Tips
Before using your wheelchair ramp, make sure it is properly set up and will not slip off the landing. Do not exceed the weight limits for your wheelchair ramp.
Caregiving Shapes Lives
Cathlene Larson, Caregiver of the Month
The act of caregiving can change your life forever. Such is the case for Cathlene Larson, a professional caregiver in New Hampshire who works with clients through Home Care Assistance. Cathlene received the Caregiver of the Month Award across the entire Home Care Assistance network in March of this year.
We asked Cathlene to share a few words about how caregiving has impacted her life and shaped who she is today:
Cathlene: “I truly believe that caregiving has helped shape who I have become as a person, as an adult. For me, there is nothing more rewarding, more personal, terrifying, humbling and awe inspiring than caring for another human being. I’ve had some of my most memorable experiences doing so.
“The people I have had the good fortune to work with have helped to teach me some of my best life lessons. They have taught me about patience, humility, to trust and to be trusted, to laugh (even at myself), to relish in life’s little triumphs, and to cherish even the smallest of things, for they are what make up life.
“I have been shown love and compassion and even been given advice by clients on days when pain and illness should have been all-consuming and I [should have been] the last thing on their minds, showing me the true testament of the human heart and spirit.
“I have been allowed to share and witness some of the best and worst days in a person’s life and, on a handful of occasions, the last moments of life—a true honor for me. In short, my work as a caregiver has helped me to see our humanity in all its forms and taught me to treasure them all.”
Thanks, Cathlene! And thanks for making a difference in your work!
Tips for Using a Walking Cane Safely
Make sure you have a clear, level path to walk with your cane.
Walking with a cane can give you back your independence and mobility. Here are some safety tips on walking with a cane.
Start with Your Feet
Footwear matters. Rubber soles are best, since they have plenty of grip. Leather soles can be slippery, especially when wet. The shoes you wear should fit well and be tied securely (if they have shoelaces).
Clear a Path
Keep the floor clear of debris and tripping hazards. Get rid of throw rugs, nail or tape down carpet edges, and glue down loose linoleum. Furniture should be arranged so that there is a clear path through and between rooms.
Keep It Dry
Clean up spills in the kitchen and bathroom right away. Be especially careful in the bathroom, where moisture and humidity can make the floor slippery even when it is not wet.
Get Your Balance
Make sure you are well balanced before you start to walk with your cane. After standing up from a sitting or lying position, give yourself a few minutes to adjust before walking. Don’t start walking if you feel dizzy.
Focus
Keep your eyes straight ahead as you walk with a cane. Don’t look down at your feet. You might trip or run into something if you are looking down at your feet.
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