Mom hasn't been in a Walmart or any other store since before 2002, when she moved to Tx.

When I'd go out on visits, I could never get her to go to a store with me.

This week, she got up on morning and got dressed. I'm like shocked. As she usually wears a gown and robe all day.

Later in the day, I knew I needed to make a Walmart run. I ask her if she wants to go with me. I was really ready for the "no thanks hon, its too much trouble, I'll stay home".

I didn't get that usual response! She actually said YES. I was floored, but lost no time making sure she wouldn't change her mind!

They did have a wheel chair, and I pushed her around. I didn't try to stay too long as I know that wears her out. Just long enough to get the 5 or so things we needed.

We tried to stop by Target too, but they didn't have regular "wheel chairs". I told the manager, he didn't want my 94 year old 1/2 blind mom driving a cart in his store and left!

This week, I've got her out more than one time. And she's rode with me a few more times, to pick this or that up accross town.

Mom has come SO far the 4 months she's been here. In Tx from 02 to late 07 she went very little at all. Mostly out to eat when someone would visit her from out of town.

I told her pushing her in the wheel chair, gave me some really good exercise. And it really DOES! I get more than 3 times the exercise than I would just walking around the store. Being on ssdi myself, I desperitely need the exercise.

Mom told me yesterday, she didn't feel she was imposing on me at all. I knew what she meant. She knows what I do for her, I do from the heart. I have nothing but time, to tend to the 2 of us.

She seems to be a lot more active here than in Tx, and also seems to be interested in being more active. She says she misses walking around in the yard. I don't know how safe that would be on a 4 wheeled walker. It does have a seat on it, but don't think if she got tired, she'd sit. She'd probably push herself too hard to get to a door, which wouldn't be good.

Dunno....still working with her though, and not pushing her. But when I go off now, I will ask if she'd like to go too, if I'm going somewhere that I know has wheel chairs.

Mom had one in Tx. Thats when she decided it was too much trouble for her to go anywhere, and told Medicare to take it back.

I doubt seriously, if I asked about it she'd agree to one. Might give it a shot though.

But Walmarts wheel chair has a basket on it....:-)

bnot, I have a chair for Mom, I bought it as a gift for Dad, before he actually qualified for one with medicare. He hated it becuase it was a "transport chair" , little wheels all around. He could not push it himself, nobig wheels. But I could fold it, take it apart, tote it. I may need to ask for another chair for Mom soon. One for in the house. I hope the doctor will order this one, and I need to talk to the PCP about HomeHealth doing Mom's lab work soon. It is getting harder to get her out, et. al...

Any way, a chair of her own that you can tote around makes a huge difference. Even if you have to buy it, they have ones around

http://www.google.com/search?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=1G1GGL...72&q=transport+chair

Look close. Cheap just ain't always best.

bnot, to hear mom has improved is wonderful news.As all have said, get a wheel chair.Will make things easier when taking her out.

HIP HIP HOORAY !!!
Good job bnot !!!
Go mom!!!

Glad to hear your having some positive moments here bnot but dont you have a wheelchair for mom?
If not go to her PCP and have him write a script for one Medicare pays for it since she is handicapped and uh you do have a handicap placard right?
If not thats your next demand from PCP

LMAO MB you an me same wavelength Jinx ya owe me a coke! LOL

If your Mom does not have a wheelchair, her doc can order one and Medicare should cover that expense. The ones that Mom has had fit into the car/SUV/truck very easily. Most of the time, I never needed to put it in the trunk as it fit in the back seat. All of them were plenty light enough for me to handle - even the big one she has now will break down into separate parts so it's lighter and easier to fit. One of those electric scooter things might be fun for her in the yard... or not, depending...

So glad y'all are getting out! Warms my heart!
Some of my treasured memories of mom involve our "adventures" together when she was in a wheelchair.

bnot, that is beautiful to hear. I am thrilled for both of you that you are sharing this. Thanks.