Adaptive treadmill for elderly?? (parent, father, senior, in home)

[kayanne]

My mom is at home now, having spent most of the summer in hospital and rehab. Prior to this illness, she still used her treadmill every day, and was in pretty good shape for 84.

She is not to drive now (don't know if that will change), she is supposed to still use a walker to get around the house, and I am worried about her not getting enough activity to rebuild her strength. I live 1000 miles away, but have heard that she is spending most of her days sitting in her recliner.

Is there any way she can safely use her treadmill? Any device specifically for someone who might fall that can be attached to it? Probably not, but thought I'd ask here. And if not, then when I visit again next month, I may try to replace the treadmill with something else---stationary bike? Elliptical?

BTW, we do some of her PT chair exercises together on the phone (leg lifts, knee bends, etc.) But she always enjoyed her treadmill, so I'm hoping she can someday use it safely again.

[Briolat21]

I've not heard of any thing one can use to adapt a treadmill (to prevent falls). I know that really good rehab centers may have "walking harnesses" (they support an individual that is re-learning to walk, to allow them to focus on moving their limbs and not on supporting their wait) - but I've only seen that in news stories for paralysis recovery and perhaps amputees from wars (i.e. not old people).

I would perhaps see if there's something else she might enjoy. Agreed that her being active/keeping active is key for her continued better health and independence. A bike or other stationary exercise (not elliptical, they're more awkward than treadmills) might be good. Or - what about water aerobics? Is there a local YMCA where she could enroll in a water-fitness class?? often that's a good workout, but because the water helps to support your weight, its not as difficult. A lot of older folks seem to enjoy that.

Hope you're able to find something for her!!

[jambo101]

If there is a YMCA close by she could join one of their in the pool aquafit programs aimed at seniors. My Mom would go every day,she would get there by a shuttle bus for seniors.
Failing that perhaps one of the many online Yoga for seniors might prove useful in keeping her limber.
https://www.google.ca/#safe=active&q...ga+for+seniors

[kayanne]

The YMCA won't work because she wouldn't have a way to get there. And she is very shy around anyone other than family, so she wouldn't do any group class. Plus she is terrified of water, so water aerobics are out. Yes, she is a challenge to come up with ideas that would work for her!

It really needs to be something she can do at home on her own. When I was visiting her a couple weeks ago (while she was still at the rehab center), I would take her for walks (using her walker) outdoors, sometimes 20-30 minutes at a time (I thought that was pretty good!) So I know she's capable of walking, and still enjoys it, but I know she won't just walk in circles around her house! Or go outside as the weather gets colder.

I guess I just need to encourage to walk in place with her walker to keep her leg strength.

[lchoro]

If she has a companion or healthcare assistant in home, a good thing would be have that person set up a daily session for 20-30 minutes where she helps her use her walker in addition to other exercises. To avoid falls, the helper can apply a gait belt or hold her up by the two sides of her pants. I used to do this 3-4 times weekly before the second fall.

Pedal exercisers are also available. I got one for my mom after the second rehab, but it was never used. Her osteoarthritis is so bad that one leg doesn't have the power to pedal.

Another option would be a recumbent stationary bike combined with some leg exercises using resistance bands or weights. Your best bet is to consult a physical therapist or orthopedic specialist. I still have the charts and instructions handy, but I couldn't make her consistently do the exercises even with my assistance.

The first solution would be the best of the three alternatives as it requires more weight-bearing by the patient. One of the things I was told by the PT was they try to walk homebound patients since it helps to clear the lungs to avoid pneumonia and it enourages bone growth.

[sfcambridge]

Does she have a community ride service for senior citizens? My father has used that in the past to go to physical therapy appointments. Some local senior centers and retirement homes/assisted living facilities also have exercise classes open to the public - some free, some for low cost. I also think YMCA is a great idea, as they have senior programs.

Getting out of the house could be great for her mood as well.

If she is going to remain at home because she is too frail to go out or refuses, a simple recumbant bicycle is the easiest to get some cardio and leg strengthening. But she needs to simply get up and walk around the house. Use it or lose it. If she has been having a decline in function or may need more assistance devices in the home, her doctor can write a prescription for home physical therapy and occupational therapy. They can help get her active at home, teach her some exercises, get her going on the recumbant bicycle, and make sure the house is safe. I would not recommend an elliptical for someone at her age with balance difficulties, now walking with a walker. You want her sitting down.....

Basically it sounds like she still needs some more time and therapy to bounce back from her illness.

My father is partially paralyzed and uses the following pieces of equipment, since he is at high risk for falls. One is a fancy type of recumbant bicycle called a NuStep that can also exercise your arms. My Dad bought a used one on Craiglist, but they are pricey.

NuStep Transforming Lives | NuStep

The other is a fancy type of treadmill that supports your body so you can't fall. It's called an AlterG. It is available at some physical therapy clinics (the chain clinic NovaCare often has them). They are pricey and large so people do not have them in their homes. But they are amazing.... They were used to help train astronauts about moving in weight reduced environments.

AlterG | Anti-Gravity Treadmill | Bionic Leg

Can a friend/family member/church friend/neighbor come by to take her for a short walk down the block every other day? Or maybe you pay for a caregiver to come a couple times a week to help with things around the house and take her for a walk? Create a "schedule" of visits.

Finally, is she depressed? Depression is incredibly common after severe illness, and with aging, and when the two combine... BAM! When you are depressed, you will walk/exercise even less. It gets harder and harder to get out of that recliner.

[kayanne]

Originally Posted by sfcambridge

Does she have a community ride service for senior citizens? My father has used that in the past to go to physical therapy appointments. Some local senior centers and retirement homes/assisted living facilities also have exercise classes open to the public - some free, some for low cost. I also think YMCA is a great idea, as they have senior programs.

Getting out of the house could be great for her mood as well.

If she is going to remain at home because she is too frail to go out or refuses, a simple recumbant bicycle is the easiest to get some cardio and leg strengthening. But she needs to simply get up and walk around the house. Use it or lose it. If she has been having a decline in function or may need more assistance devices in the home, her doctor can write a prescription for home physical therapy and occupational therapy. They can help get her active at home, teach her some exercises, get her going on the recumbant bicycle, and make sure the house is safe. I would not recommend an elliptical for someone at her age with balance difficulties, now walking with a walker. You want her sitting down.....

Basically it sounds like she still needs some more time and therapy to bounce back from her illness.

My father is partially paralyzed and uses the following pieces of equipment, since he is at high risk for falls. One is a fancy type of recumbant bicycle called a NuStep that can also exercise your arms. My Dad bought a used one on Craiglist, but they are pricey.

NuStep Transforming Lives | NuStep

The other is a fancy type of treadmill that supports your body so you can't fall. It's called an AlterG. It is available at some physical therapy clinics (the chain clinic NovaCare often has them). They are pricey and large so people do not have them in their homes. But they are amazing.... They were used to help train astronauts about moving in weight reduced environments.

AlterG | Anti-Gravity Treadmill | Bionic Leg


Can a friend/family member/church friend/neighbor come by to take her for a short walk down the block every other day? Or maybe you pay for a caregiver to come a couple times a week to help with things around the house and take her for a walk? Create a "schedule" of visits.

Finally, is she depressed? Depression is incredibly common after severe illness, and with aging, and when the two combine... BAM! When you are depressed, you will walk/exercise even less. It gets harder and harder to get out of that recliner.

Yes, she has struggled with depression this summer, but greatly improved when her dr started her on Remeron (that helped her appetite too---she had been eating and drinking very little, without telling anyone that it hurt to swallow. Found out after she was hospitalized she had esophageal lesions, ulcers, and hiatal hernia. No wonder she wasn't eating!) Anyway.....

The devices in your links were interesting, but as you said, quite pricey!! But I could get her a moderately priced recumbent bike. I'm curious, why is that better than an upright stationary bike?

For now Mom does have a PT and OT coming in a couple times a week. I don't know how long that will continue, but when it stops I'll definitely look into having someone come in to exercise with her. And my dad is there too, but he doesn't drive. He will take her for walks now that the weather is nice, but in another month or two it will be too cold for her. And then the snow and ice will come...ugh.

[upnorthretiree]

I bought a used nustep when I retired, keep it in the garage, and actually use it several times a week. I have knee and hip issues, so this is one of the few things I can use. It is super safe and comfortable, but still gets me a good workout. Don't know if it's right for your mother, but will vouch for their safety, durability, stability and effectiveness. Also like the bracket to watch a movie while I pedal away.

[sfcambridge]

Originally Posted by kayanne

The devices in your links were interesting, but as you said, quite pricey!! But I could get her a moderately priced recumbent bike. I'm curious, why is that better than an upright stationary bike?

For now Mom does have a PT and OT coming in a couple times a week. I don't know how long that will continue, but when it stops I'll definitely look into having someone come in to exercise with her. And my dad is there too, but he doesn't drive. He will take her for walks now that the weather is nice, but in another month or two it will be too cold for her. And then the snow and ice will come...ugh.

Recumbent bikes are usually better as you get older because they are easier to get in and out of, so less chance of falling. Upright bikes can also be a bit rough on the butt. As you get older, your skin is not as tough, and it is less comfortable to sit on those seats. Recumbant bikes are also more ergonomically designed. No question.

NuSteps are a big investment. May not be needed for your Mom, but many of us love them and buy them used.

That is wonderful your Dad is there to walk with her. Just walking is plenty.

I am wondering whether it is time for your parents and you to think about their long term living situation. Living at home, if neither of them can drive, sounds like a problem. Have you thought about this? Ask if a social worker can come and see them. If they are already getting home PT/OT visits, a social worker can come as well and will be covered. Maybe there are ride services they qualify for, or maybe an assisted living place that has ride services? Things to think about...

[kayanne]

Originally Posted by sfcambridge

Recumbent bikes are usually better as you get older because they are easier to get in and out of, so less chance of falling. Upright bikes can also be a bit rough on the butt. As you get older, your skin is not as tough, and it is less comfortable to sit on those seats. Recumbant bikes are also more ergonomically designed. No question.

NuSteps are a big investment. May not be needed for your Mom, but many of us love them and buy them used.

That is wonderful your Dad is there to walk with her. Just walking is plenty.

I am wondering whether it is time for your parents and you to think about their long term living situation. Living at home, if neither of them can drive, sounds like a problem. Have you thought about this? Ask if a social worker can come and see them. If they are already getting home PT/OT visits, a social worker can come as well and will be covered. Maybe there are ride services they qualify for, or maybe an assisted living place that has ride services? Things to think about...

Yes, when I visited for 2 weeks in August, I gently raised the issue of considering senior citizen housing, something that would offer transportation and optional meals, while maintaining most of their independence. I am visiting for 2 weeks again next month, and I plan to discuss it again and to hopefully start cleaning unneeded things out of their house. Complicating this housing decision is the fact that they have 3 dogs (1 large, 2 small), which was fine when they were in their early to mid-70s, but not suitable now. Mom tripped over the large dog a few months ago and banged her head up pretty badly. The dogs are fairly old, not easily rehomed, and something my siblings, parents, and I need to figure out.

Aging parents is a whole new world to me, and I'm suddenly feeling completely ignorant and unprepared. I'm thankful for this site!