The main challenge to Dad’s independence is his poor mobility. This includes poor balance, poor dexterity, low core body strength, rigidity (mostly in the arms and legs), poor hand-mouth coordination, and sometimes poor depth perception. Hallucinations and dementia can lead to disorientation and poor judgment as well. These are standard symptoms of mid to late-stage Parkinsons. They all vary in degree from day to day.
Standing / Walking
Dad can no longer stand, much less walk for any longer than 30 seconds. He is, therefore, limited to beds, wheelchairs, special shower/toilet seats, sofas, chairs, car seats, etc. Moving from one to another always requires assistance. Dad and I have come up with ways to do this ourselves, but it’s not always easy. Regis is more risk-averse, so they always use two staff members and/or a mobile standing hoist. The photo below shows a staff member transferring Dad to the shower using a mobile standing hoist.
Dad’s electric reclining sofas are far more comfortable than both his wheelchair and the chairs supplied by Regis. They also allow him to recline back and have a nap without someone needing to move him. One of his sofas was moved into his room at Regis. Another was moved to my place for when he is with me. The photos below show Dad’s reclining sofas.
