My father goes on a walk with us but I’ve noticed he tends to trip every now and then and his balance is off even though he hasn’t actually fallen. I feel It’s safer if he uses a cane. He’s adamant he will never be seen with a cane or walker. My sister who lives out of state says let him do what he wants and walk with you and just be happy. He’s not ready mentally for a cane she says. I guess I’m the practical sibling and she’s all about dad being happy, so we tend to butt heads on his care. So I said I’m responsible for his care since he lives with me. I need to make sure he’s safe. She says leave him alone. So now I feel I not only have to convince him to use a cane I also have to convince my sister if he wants to walk with us he has to be safe. Anyone else have a problem similar to this? It’s very stressful
This is how I feel about canes. They are only good if one leg is the problem. And like said, he would need to be shown how to use it properly. Most people don't. If both legs are involved, then a walker is needed. And that too needs someone to show the person the proper way to use it. My Mom went thru therapy 2x with the same walker. No adjustment the first time, but there was the second. They made it higher.
Could you find a lovely walking path that is really only safe with a walker, and hire one as a special treat so that he can go down that path? The walk needs a rest part-way along, and the walkers have a seat that he can use, etc etc. Use that as an introduction? I wouldn’t fight the good fight over a cane, only to have to repeat it for a walker.
Now he says he uses it for self protection, so true, just a different perspective on self protection 😀
If his doctor can talk him into trying a balance class, and he likes the idea, he might enjoy it and enjoy being with other people his age. Or might think the idea was terrible.
And this-if a walk is “happy” and he enjoys walking with you, you may wind up spoiling walking by going at him to hard about the cane.
And also- to be of any help, a cane needs to be used correctly and consistently and if you happen to be a physical or occupational therapist you would know what he should be doing but if not, or if he just agrees to use the cane and doesn’t know how or why, he may develop habits that will have to be broken if he arrives at a point when he MUST use a cane.
Your intention is excellent. Unfortunately, he’s not into buying it. Your stress comes from your love for him. See if you can find a (sneaky if necessary) way to enlist the help of his physician and get his gait and walk assessed formally. May work well for both of you.