Question: My grandfather has recently become much less mobile. He cannot walk safely, and his wife can’t move him very well. The doctors act like this is normal for his situation. What should I do?
Answer: There are several things that might help your grandfather move better and remain at home. The key is putting together a good and active support system for him to make this happen.
- He can benefit from in-home nursing and therapy, such as home health care or physical therapy that comes to your house. His doctor can order this. You can also contact an agency such as Hosparus Health. Hosparus offers more than hospice care — it also offers palliative care, which is probably the type of care you need. Either of these options can help you get equipment that might help him move easier. If he qualifies, this should be covered by Medicare.
- Speaking of equipment, there are good options you can buy or rent to help someone move better, such as a roller walker, standing hoyer mover, sitting hoyer mover, and wheelchair, depending on your grandfather’s needs. It’s possible these can be covered by insurance.
- It sounds like your grandfather needs some onsite caregiving to help move him around or take care of his needs. Depending on his circumstances and insurance, there are different caregiving options. You can hire caregivers yourself, or you can hire caregivers through an agency, usually paying per hour with a minimum number of hours required.
- Another option is to consider moving him into an assisted living situation, and there are many good, local care communities that offer that service.
By Anita Oldham
P.S.
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