DEMENTIA CARE: ROLLING ALONG.

Sooner or later, underlying health conditions lead you to props, gadgets, and levels of assistance for things carers have no trouble dealing with.
   The cared-for aren't always going to be elderly dementia patients. Youngsters face dementia too, sad to say.
   But let us suppose they fucking are elderly, with all the fun and games advancing years drop on the human frame for the sheer hell of it.
   This carer has no trouble getting around.
   I'd considered a wheelchair for rolling along, out to the hospital appointment at the Memory Clinic. As much as possible, you want to avoid turning the cared-for into an invalid.
   For one thing, those in the medical profession think better of you, as a carer, when avoiding the curse of the invalid. I speak from the experience of overhearing whispers out of the mouths of nurses.
   You improve the quality of care, and of life, by trying to get on with relatively normal conversations and activities. The relatives themselves may no longer be quite normal, but that's another story.
   As much as possible, I resisted the wheelchair. It was offered to me as a gift. And, knowing one day I'd have to push the damned thing, I accepted that gift.
   But I didn't upgrade it for months. Pretty much most of the year. With another hospital visit looming, it was easier just to use the wheels. I bought a whole load of gadgets to bring the wheelchair up to a decent standard.
   And I'm fucking glad I did. Because the first trundle to the hospital was an assault-course. Circumstances beyond my control. I rose to the challenge, and relied on assorted accessories to see me through.
   Best purchase was one of those back-of-the-chair bags. I was suddenly the Batman, and that bag served as my utility belt. Lots of quick-change items. Handy pockets, pouches, and compartments. I was on top of the situation.
   Important point. Getting a patient to the Memory Clinic was a task, but preparation made it easier. Very important point...once there, we didn't use the wheelchair. The patient isn't an invalid. That wheelchair was used for convenience, for a short stint.
   Use all the gadgets you can lay hand to. But avoid turning the cared-for into invalids. Difficult balance? Yes. Sometimes impossible to reconcile? True.
   We're doing okay. Dodged a legendary dog-turd. Mud on the wheels is fine. Did I say legendary? That turd was fucking mythical. Turns out, I have mad skills. That's something I can say of the dog, too. :0