As you know, A got mom a cane with the 4 prong foot a while back but she refused to use it. We brought it with us but she would not use it here or especially when we went out of the house. She took a fall over Christmas trying to reach between the kitchen counter and the island and fell on her backside, V, K and I were standing at the island talking and she wanted to join the conversaation. She was not hurt but said her arms were not long enough to reach everywhere she wants to go. If she walks down the hall, it is usually with her hand on the wall or in the kitchen or bathroom, she holds onto the counter for support. I think this fall concerned her and I told her that she needed to use the cane for extra support (as an extra leg) when she walked around the house, if there was not someone to hold onto. Since then she has been using the cane, most of the time in the house and has gotten much more sturdy and steady on her feet. When we go out, we usually take the cane but she doesn’t want to use it in public, so she just holds onto an arm.
We have been taking her for short walks outside most days, have gone as far as 1/2 block and back but she won’t use the cane but she is getting better on our walks. She has gotten to the point that when we get back to my house she wants to cut across the yard – which is good because she has to walk on uneven grass! We are trying to walk down to the bay and back – usually we go in late afternoon to see the bay and as the sun is coming down. The eyes have gotten so good that she can see if the bay is flat or choppy as we head down the street!! When we go walking, she holds onto my arm but has gotten faster and more sturdy and enjoys getting outside. Of course, when we get back she is usually ready for a nap.
We are settling into a routine but still different having another person in the house! Your turn will come soon enough!
The Adventures of the Traveling Mama 