Looking for ideas

[Peri]

My mother is 88 and dodgy on her feet.  She uses a walker.  My sister lives in a house with steps up to it.  My mother is ok getting up the steps but not down and refuses to be carried.  I am just wondering if there is anything out there that can be utilised for this - a carrier of some sort.  I dont really know what I m talking about just looking for ideas. 

[Scarlett]

Could you possibly get a local carpenter to make you a ramp to go up the stairs? I'm sure it would be quite easy to make, and he could cover it with some kind of rubber surface that has a grip on it?

Just an idea!

[Peri]

Hi Scarlett. Thanks for the idea but unfortunately the steps are very steep and I have visions of my mother taking off at a very fast pace down the ramp - although maybe on a skateboard lol.  The problem is that even a normal person finds them difficult.  But I keep thinking there must be an answer somewhere.  Thanks anyway.

[qapmoc]

Hi Peri

You know that many people think the only way to go down stairs is facing forwards,  but in fact many unstable persons can get downstairs very well by going down backwards.

[Peri]

thats a good point qapmoc.  Will look into that one. 

[Scarlett]

ok! Could you maybe try and get the same man to build a sturdy handrail that she could use- or even two, either side of the steps? She could also hold onto them going down backwards!

[Chessman]

I don't know if your mother is registered disabled or not, but you can get a stair lift fitted, they are quite expensive, but if she is registered disabled, The Social Services should help with the cost, if not, there are various charities that would help, like the Round Table.

Wish you the best of luck.

[Peri]

The steps are wide as they are going up to 2 houses and I dont think her arms are long enough Scarlett.  Keep trying we'll come up with something

[Peri]

Thanks Chessman - this is for outside only and she doesnt live there so it would only be for visiting. 

[Scarlett]

Right... Could you build a handrail on one side and another down the middle? If it is for 2 houses maybe they wouldn't mind having half a stair each?

[Cockney_si]

Try getting your sister to visit your mother, that way she doesn't have to risk hurting herself in a fall.