How do I get through to my father that he needs a grab bar in the shower? A pill box organizer? Or anything at all? I fear for him. He has very low vision, osteoporosis, and needs to take heart medication. Often when I see him he is complaining that he's not sure if he took too many or missed a dose. Frankly, I'm the one who's going to have the heart attack.
Yours, a concerned daughter (also the ATPN editor)
Dear ATPN editor:
At support groups for elders and individuals living with Parkinson's something I've learned to ask is, "Tell me what you think would help?" This open-ended question is often a great way to move the discussion forward productively. (Plus, frankly, I learn as much from people I present to as they learn from me.)
There are, of course, a lot of devices for medication dispensing, including devices with recorded reminders that will also ring family members (even out of state) if a dose has not been taken. Check out: electronic caregivers assistant at Safety and Wellness.
Something I've learned, however, is how ineffective buying a device or tool for a family member can sometimes be. But if you buy two, one for yourself and one for your father, you might find he is more willing to use it. That way it's not something you have bought for him because he needs it, but something that you also have found helpful and wish to share (which is often the case, anyway!) You might start with a grab bar in your own shower and mention how reassuring you find it for getting in and out. Many types of grab bars can be installed or check out portable grab bars (no drilling necessary) at Grab It Online.
Another item to consider is a shower-product dispenser. I use one myself, mounted on the wall of my shower, filled with the shampoo and liquid soap. Many falls in the shower are due to reaching for soap or handling containers. You could put one in your own shower and give one to him (they don't require drilling to install). He can still keep that bar of soap around, but probably he'll reach for it less often if this is mounted right where he'd use it. Check out: AmeraProducts.
Hope that helps!
Gary Johnson
Gary Johnson, ATP, works for Iowa's IPAT conducting "Gadgets and Gizmos" demonstrations and conversations with Iowa's Parkinson's Association support groups and support groups organized by regional Area Agencies on Aging.
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