My mom (92) fell with no broken bones, but bruised and can't stand up to use her walker. She lost a lot of muscle strength. Three days hospital stay, now transferring to rehab and PT. She wasn't physically very strong before the fall, but now, is it realistic to think she'll be able to walk independently again? She was in an Independent Living apt, and can't go back there after rehab anyway, not enough care and monitoring. She's a trouper- never been in a hospital before, hardly ever sick. Mild cognitive impairment, more severe when tired. DNR in place, but much to her dismay, she'll probably keep on trucking. What is she doesn't get strong enough to walk? Where would she go after rehab ends? Is it possible she might walk with a walker again?
I think the cognitive impairment might be more of a hindrance if she has any difficulty following instructions for rehab.
But she can recover, she can develop strength, unless there are physical limitations that would interfere. The therapists will assess her strengths and weaknesses and choose appropriate exercises, most of which she can do sitting down. That'll help her build up her leg strength.
I never fail to be amazed at the power of exercise. My father recovered from two leg fractures and at other times from various other weaknesses. He continued his recovery at home. He also has a strong mindset and determination.
I don't think anyone except a therapist or ortho doctor could determine if she'll ever walk again, with or without a walker. We just don't have enough information to make that determination.
She seems to have a strong mental attitude, and that's very important.
If she doesn't progress, Medicare won't continue to pay for her rehab, so I would have a discussion with the therapists after their first evaluation to find out what their assessment and goals are. If she doesn't progress, she will be discharged, and someone will have to find a place for her to live. I guess that would be you?
Give her as much support as you can while she goes through rehab; that could make a difference in how she progresses.
You might talk to the independent living place where she lives to see what services may be available. You may be surprised at how well your Mom does in rehab. If a return to her current living place isn't realistic, you may search out assisted living facilities in the area.
Talk to the social worker at rehab and see what options she can suggest for Mom. Is it possible for a caregiver to be hired to stay overnight with Mom after the AL staff leaves. When I fell in the summer I could not weight bear on one leg but managed with a walker till the strength came back. A fall certainly takes the stuffing out of anyone. I see no reason why ahe shouldn't do very well with rehab.
Don't be too quick to push mom into a nursing home as long as she has the will to try and get better - it is when they give up hope that things change drastically
Not knowing her financial situation maybe assisted living with a personal caregiver a few hours a day, or a residential board and care where 6 or so folks live in a home with round the clock staff ?