Elderly parents arguing about going out in the snow.

red_devil

do your parents argue about going out in the snow mine do?

My mum tries to keep my dad in the house he is nearly 80 she worries he will fall over?

He dosent want to stay in all the time and wants to get around?

is she being abit ott. He did have a fall2 years ago when out although it wasnt snow related?

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Depends. Does he have osteoporosis, maybe a little hump in his upper back? Does she? Do either of them need sticks? Was there any reason for the fall, something which means he's not as invincible as he would like to believe?

Falls can kill the elderly, so it's a genuine fear for many.

red_devil

no no sticks.

fluffnutter

Buy them both some ice and snow grips for their shoes.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_6?url=search-alias%3Dshoes&field-keywords=ice+grippers&sprefix=ice+gr%2Caps%2C164&rh=n%3A355005011%2Ck%3Aice+grippers

margaretclare

While I dislike intensely being termed 'elderly', one must be realistic in weather like this.

DH and I have various bone and joint problems (thankfully, not osteoporosis) but we don't go out unless we have to. I have no ambition to add to the numbers who'll be adding to the crowds in A&E due to slips, trips and falls this weather. There's absolutely nothing to go out for.

Having said that, DH went to Tesco yesterday afternoon before it started to freeze, and the place was almost deserted as was the car-park.

What does Dad want to go out for? To build a snowman? This is weather to stay in unless there's some compelling reason to be out in it.

Oh-oh. Just spotted DH (age 78) out the front sweeping snow off the top of the car.

Slinky

I'm miles younger and work from home. Stocked up last week and won't be going out unless I have to. I run my own business. I cannot risk breaking bones as there is nobody to take over what I do. Somebody I deal with through my business bust his ankle in the snow over the weekend. He has to drive to get to work. Heaven help him.

red_devil

he likes to get out the house, shopping, chemist pickup and he goes to the library to use the Pc.

margaretclare

Slinky wrote: »

I'm miles younger and work from home. Stocked up last week and won't be going out unless I have to. I run my own business. I cannot risk breaking bones as there is nobody to take over what I do. Somebody I deal with through my business bust his ankle in the snow over the weekend. He has to drive to get to work. Heaven help him.

Heaven help him indeed. I've had a fractured pelvis in the past caused by falling backwards on to granite paving setts outside a petrol station. 8 weeks on crutches - can do without a repeat of that kind of thing.

We have nothing at all to go out for. We're well-stocked with food thanks to DH going to Tesco yesterday. Our pensions etc are paid electronically so we don't need to walk up the road to catch the bus into town. Normally on Monday mornings you do see the oldies in the town square going to the bank to withdraw. All our payments go out electronically and no need to go anywhere.

victory

red_devil wrote: »

do your parents argue about going out in the snow mine do?

My mum tries to keep my dad in the house he is nearly 80 she worries he will fall over?

He dosent want to stay in all the time and wants to get around?

is she being abit ott. He did have a fall2 years ago when out although it wasnt snow related?

Your mum is obviously worried through love and concern and your dad is irritated by it and frustrated he cant go about his daily chores, the snow will pass in a few days, in the meantime can they not do something inside together? Watch a film, fix something, bake whatever...

shop-to-drop

I'd say he should listen to her. If they don't need to go out they should stay indoors. Sounds like he enjoys good health and enjoys the freedom to go out and about. One slip in the snow could change all that and he would be unlikely to fully recover given his age.

Person_one

I agree with Jojo, it depends.

I'm thinking of my relatives who are over 70. Some are healthier than me, regularly play sports and walk everywhere in all weathers. They'd be fine and it would be really condescending to tell them to stay in.

Some have chronic or underlying health issues that mean they are at risk of falling even when there isn't any snow or ice, and they would face a longer recovery and a higher risk of complications if they did fall. I'd plead with them not to go out unless it was an emergency.

You know your dad, which of these categories is he more likely to be in?

Also, snow isn't as bad as ice, as long as you have a decent pair of boots or wellies. If deep snow turns to solid ice overnight, that's when I'd say its better for everyone to avoid walking on it, whatever their age!