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MID, You have such a wide heart that stretches far. I would like to periodically put the Walker through the car wash. It can leave unsightly marks on a wood floor.

I would venture to guess that your mother and your MIL don't get along. I hope your grandchildren have fun with your siblings kids. As my husband and I are both only children it has at times been a lonely life. Hope you enjoy the sewing.
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Midkid: I am truly sorry that your mother treats you so poorly. I wonder why she is keeping stuff in the pockets of her walker --- lack of energy to put them in her trash can or wants to hold onto them forever? Sending you love.
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My 93 yo mom has a walker with wheels. Is that a rollater?
i have to blame my self for her being so dependent on her walker bc when she came home from hip surgery I demanded that she use it all the time. Now she doesn’t even let go for a minute to pivot in the kitchen though she would only need to take one step to reach the other counter.

Her hoarding isn’t limited to her walker though, tonight I found her lower denture sitting on the living room end table after she went to bed!

Every night she tells me, “I’ll clean up my mess tomorrow! Don’t throw anything away!”

The deal is that she wants to keep everything within arms reach around her, and yes it’s so she doesn’t have to move too much. The problem is the less she moves around the harder it is for her to move!

I cleaned out the hoarded magazines, TV guides, and newspapers while she got her hip replaced and the tables they were piled on so she just has one end table and it’s beside her. Lordy, lordy she is always trying to get more furniture placed around her so she can clutter up the whole living room. Safety first! I always say...

Ioften find her with her box of cereal, dirty cereal bowl and the jug of milk in the living room on her walker hours after she’s had breakfast. She knows I’m not gonna like it but she just can’t see why.

But omg in the kitchen‼️ There is not enough shelves that hit the ‘above 3 feet but below 4 feet’ for her to function in there. She can’t lift the milk in the fridge if it’s any higher and she can’t see any healthy snacks no matter where they are EXCEPT! yogurt and ensures! And she calls that feeding herself...

Now if I sneak in some cookies, she can sniff those out from anywhere just like an old hound dog...

I love her to death and don’t know what I’ll do without her...

charlotte
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Chark60--

Your mother and mine sound like twins!

Riverdale--My MIL and Mother cannot STAND each other. They actually went to school together, my mother was from the "wealthy" part of town, MIL wasn't...oh well--they have't spoken in 20 years.
***************
The "decline" in height (or slumping, whatever you call it, the spine collapsing, for many reasons) are a troubling part of aging--many times, I know, it's an inevitable part of the aging process. However, in mom's case, it was lack of movement after multiple surgeries that caused this--she was a surgery junkie and I know she had quite a few surgeries that she "talked" the drs into doing. Years ago--I doubt you could get this past a dr nowadays, what with MRI's and CT scans...I had 2 back surgeries and I had to jump through so many hoops--it was almost a year before I was approved for one! The dr would not do both at the same time.

I rehabbed from both and although, yes, there is chronic pain, I also stretch, move and exercise every single day. By my age (62) mother was already almost bedbound. She gets up more now, but only because she is afraid my brother will put her in a home if she doesn't get up.

I was measuring the walker and she was just chattering away at me, altho I kept telling her this wasn't FOR her. After seeing just how falling-down her walker bags and such are, maybe the prototype WILL be for her. Her bags were filled with wet tissues (gag) bits of food ("That's a muffin I want to eat later! Don't touch it!" (pile of crumbs...) LOTS of dried up french fries, more tissues, it was unending. AND I wasn't allowed to move her purse. In retrospect, I could have called her first and she could have cleaned it out. But she doesn't answer her phone, so it was what it was. Oh, her phone is somewhere in this jumble, but since she rarely answers it and cannot figure out how to dial it, what's the point?

I was playing around with her walker, kind of checking on the height and such--and such was telling me that she has no CHOICE but to push it--it takes all her strength to do so and she has to stand as far back from it as she can...so I tried some different distances. Standing "inside" the walker itself and walking normally was the least unpleasant. I can see that b/c she likes attention, she would stand as far out as she can, it's much more noticeable. Standing a few feet back made it really uncomfortable for me-made my back actually hurt.

I did do the same with the rollater (yes, that's the kind of walker with wheels and a little seat with storage underneath). It wasn't as simple to use, but she has 2. She doesn't like having her things hidden in the seat compartment.

Have to admit I was in a mood when I went up there and I need to check my attitude at the door!! But I was only there 30 minutes at the most.

Her place desperately needs a deepclean....I asked her if she would possibly allow my sis and me to do a Spring Clean for her (for no other reason than to powerwash the beyond filthy birdcage) and she was emphatic--absolutely NOT, she didn't trust me. Said that my 18 yo neice is her maid and clean (uh, no she most assuredly does not)....as I was saying all this, a looooooong strand of a cobwed drifts lazily down from the light fixture over the table..right into her salad.
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Clark: A Rollator is used by another person pushing the seated elder from behind. If you get an RX from your doctor, Medicare will often cover its cost.
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My post was supposed to be for Chark, not Clark. My bad. That is, my bad vision.
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LlamaLover - - no one should EVER sit on the seat of a Rollator and be pushed from behind. In fact, the only way and time *anyone* one sit on it is when the Brake is engaged.

I used it to sit at the dining table in rehab. I would push it up close, set the brake, sit on it, let off the brake, pull it closer by holding to the table, then reset the brake.

There are labels on these devices, bold warnings on hang tags warning of the danger.

Only devices you can push someone around on are wheelchairs.

I use my Rollator while on walks so I have a secure safe place to sit. I position the Rollator, set the brakes, turn aound, grasp the handles and lower myself. I only release the brakes after I'm up and facing the Rollator and gripping the handles.
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Personally, I love my Rollator. Everything about it. I use useful round flat-bottomed containers, about 8 inches deep, hang from elastics) on each handle. The left for everything from hairbrush, notepad and pen, coin purse, tissues. The other side is my large covered mug of iced tea.

Some use the backrest to hang a storage system where it faces forward. - You buy one, even on Amazon, or just use a backpack.

For the holidays, I hit the Dollar Tree to buy a large frightening skull (I bought my friend a cheerful jack-o-lantern) - no end of compliments and happy smiles for us both. Be it Valentine's Day, Spring & Easter, Summer & summery themes & the 4th of July... Then Fall leaves & Thanksgiving. And Christmas, the sky's the limit.

May the 60's live forever! Mama's still a freak.

I love the fun of Pimping Out my *ride*
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I solved the biggest problems of my Rollator.

1).. When the darned brake cables hang out to the sides and catch on things.
Answer - Dollar Tree for a package of those little nylon.sizable locking thingies (the big ones are used to handcuff people). You can cut off the excess

2).. When you can't keep the darned thing from falling open again. Particular annoying when trying to stash it behind the front seat or against a wall or in a closet.
Answer - buy some medium-sized dog collars at the Dollar Tree (mine are the rainbow, but some might like camouflage).
I attach one to either side of hanging basket, ready to clip to keep the legs together.

And how about the darned seat that comes with no equipment or suggestions to keep it upright, free from damage or crashes.
Again at the Dollar Tree, I buy the matching dog leash. After folding the Rollator, I wrap it around the top (circling it), then passing the clip through the leash loop, I fasten the clip to the brake cable.

By the way, the cheapest place by far to get the Rollator "Cadillac" (the *drive* brand) is on Amazon. The Rollator company has given me good customer service, too.
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The Drive brand Rollator is the only one I've seen so far that has BOTH an adjustable seat height AND adjustable handle heights.

I had a dear friend, some dementia - no longer able to know how to use her sewing machine or play the piano (she had taught and played (organ, too) in her church for decades.

Anyway, her niece got her a Rollator - absolutely not a single ounce of ANYTHING on it besides her hands.== but she would only walk bent at the hips, body and arms outstretched horizontal to the floor, legs astraddle - and PUSHED it. With neck arched stiffly up to see where she was going.

I would stand her up between the handle bars, pointing out that there was more than enough room, that she would not bang her knees.. Told her she would end up falling other wise - - -
But it was like she didn't hear me, didn't believe me OR just chose to trust her self. Or simply was unable to learn.

In short, I think it possible that dementia has something about it in some cases.

I only took it with us so she would have a place to sit when we visited her friend at the nursing home.
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I think you just described my MIL but not the catheter bag. When I used to take her grocery shopping I used to have to carry her purse ... I did hold my tongue when she banged her walker against my new car because she told me it was the wrong color.
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So many comments! Thank you. I guess this is a common problem.

I did NOT mean to make mother feel bad, and in retrospect, I should have simply asked her to lend me her backup one ( she has 2 or 3) and take measurements. They are all pretty similarly made. BUT, I wanted to SEE what she's toting in there that's so doggone important.

I think the problem lies in the fact she has 3-4 bags on there at once and each one is a replica of the others. Other than her wallet in her purse....every bag has tissues (several packs) many used ones, dried crumbly/crusty food/lipsticks, gum, antacids, tylenol (BIG bottles) lotion, combs, pens, pencils, pads of paper, stickers, and 2-3 large incontinence pads. Plus about 5 plastic bags to PUT more stuff in. Each bag weighs about 4 lbs. She complains that her rollater is too heavy to lift and it's UNDER 4 lbs.

This is a battle I'm not going to fight. I'm going to make some walker organizers for some sweet ladies in my neighborhood and when Mother sees them at BINGO and finds out I made them for her friends--well, tough, She was so mad at me but Ian see why she felt invaded--(I'm death on her hoarding, it just makes me literally physically sick)--she is sensitive to her home and her choice of surroundings, messy as it is.

Thanks for the tutorial on the proper use of the rollater! My old client always wanted to be pushed in hers and she went through one every 6 months. was what is was, just not worth hassling over--but setting the brakes were VERY important. For that factor, the old aluminum walker is probably "better". I personally like the rollater as you always have a seat.
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A walker organizer. The perfect holiday/birthday gift. Perhaps you have found an additional calling.
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Cricket: I wish this site could upload photos because then you could see my husband pushing by late mother from the rear of the device. If the brake is engaged, then how will the carer be able to move the device forward (with the elder seated on its seat and a seat belt across the elder)? Answer=they couldn't.
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Hi, LlamaLover & anyone needing a convertable pushable rollator device!

After reading your speaking of your husband using the Rollator to push her, . I've spent some time this evening researching and my responses, I hope, will give safety education,

https://karmanhealthcare.com/avoid-problems-with-rollators-wheeled-walkers/

Plus to tell about a new Drive brand Dual Rollator with a Footrest when used for transport. This is currently the only convertable I could find. It is a lightweight welded aluminum transport chair, but rated for up to 300 pounds (including the accouterments for hoarders!).

I think this is a remarkably great safe idea! I have the link to it below.

The attendent does need the strength to negotiate any possible curb cuts and ramps without losing control. Curbs and high doorsills present the danger of tipping over backwards.

The Drive brand Rollator Dual is converted this way.... First no patient seated during the transition. The backrest is lifted and turned about, the pop-up arm rests are raised. The footrest is raised into position only after the patient is seated. The handle grips and brakes are then in the proper location for the assistant.

See the photos & description here
https://www.amazon.com/Drive-Medical-Function-Transport-Wheelchair/dp/B001FWY1JI

The chair should be pushed close to the patient for a safe transition. I could find no seat belts for the Rollator Dual, only for wheelchairs. Since rollators are designed for only people capable of walking, a seat belt is something I'm not qualified to have an opinion. But if I was using it for pushing someone, I would want one.

One more thought - the Biggest potential problem with a seated 4-wheeled walker is when the patient tries to always get around by just using their feet to propel themselves forward, backward and steer, but not using the Brake to sit down or get up. If their dementia keeps them from learning to use it properly, becoming a danger to themselves, consider a walker without a seat.

I need to truthfully admit that sometimes I still forget UNTIL I feel it start to roll backwards, out from under me, Scary. None of us are perfect.

Happy days to all!
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CharK60
It seems like our mothers could be twins. Sorry you are going through this. Thanks for sharing this and hide the cookies!
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Cricket: Good ideas for anyone needing a Rollator. I no longer require one since my late mother has passed away. But I'm sure that others can benefit from your posts.
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OMG! You just gave me something to be thankful for. My mom won't use her walker and it's only after we've been out of the home for 10 minutes that she starts wondering if she brought her purse, which has nothing in it except her wallet with identification and insurance cards. She's no longer attached to her things. Take care and I hope there is at least a solution for the catheter bag!
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I can't believe how many responses and comments this simple little query brought about!

It IS nice to know I am not alone in this. None of my sibs are on board with mother's care, even the brother she lives with. As much as she dislikes my "bossy" attitude and intrusiveness, I have caught many a UTI before it blossomed--and I can fix some things for her. I can also call people for her, she simply cannot use her phone, it's just beyond her. Still trying to work on brother to have the landline reinstated (she will pay for it) but he has to actually call the cable company and his attitude is that if she's too 'dumb' to learn how to use a cell phone she doesn't deserve one. (Yeah, he's a prince).

I actually did have a little chat with her about the hanging cath bag. She simply hasn't THOUGHT about how it appears to other people. When she is home alone (which is most of the time) she leaves it hanging on the walker. She 'thinks' when she goes out, she wraps it around her leg...but she wasn't SURE. I think I may have sparked a little reminder in her brain. even though she has this, she still overflows and leaks. And, she should be getting new ones every month or so. They absorb odors and she just cannot get the smell out.

I am working on one for a friend in my neighborhood and I am going to "try it out" on mother's walker. Betcha she wants me to make her one too. The fabric is all the same, a bright cherry print. And a matching tote bag. I'm just playing around with it right now. The fabric is pretty tough, but I am also going to saturate it with waterproofing spray.

There's just something about the ratty junk she has slug over her walker that makes her look so old and unkempt. And she'd die if she thought she looked like that.
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My mom would hunch over the walker as well. All those cute little bags (yes, filled with tissues — some used, some not) would be removed & stashed around the house. She used to park her walker in a corner of the room & then wobble to the bed or chair or whatever. When she came to live with us, the walker became a battering ram — to knock down the baby gates we had set up. Ahhh, the memories!
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