My dad is 84 years old almost 85 and currently uses a walker to get around. He wants to go pick blueberries this summer and I’m worried about him and I’m wondering if I should invest in a golf cart or something or if there’s some other low budget means of getting him outside safely. He has Alzheimer’s disease and is in need of assistance anyways. Any ideas?
What a pleasant request - to go blueberry picking! A golf cart would be ideal. I wonder if you could borrow or rent one? They are rather expensive. What about a wheelchair? These can be rented. Preferably one with big wheels that could maneuver through dirt and grass. If possible, have another person to assist you. One person to push him in the wheelchair and another to carry the walker if he wants to stand up to pick the berries higher up. What I would not use is a motorized wheelchair or scooter. These can easily overturn on uneven ground.
I don't know what part of the country you live in, but it could be 3-4 months before the berries are ready. He may forget his plans by then. I know it is more work for you, but I hope he doesn’t forget. The thought of your father picking blueberries this summer makes me smile.
If a golf cart is something you can do, that would be ideal. Then you can just take him riding around at other times. But whatever you choose thank you for making it happen for him. I know I would.
Blueberry picking is quite physical. Can he bend down and get back up without help? He would be bending, and reaching for hours. And it gets warm out there- all the bees, wasps, etc, will come out. He may get stung.
I would reconsider this exercise unless he can walk safely and has no deficits. This could put him in danger.
An ideal situation would be to find some kids who want to help, too. Teens or grandchildren could do it for free, or neighbors who do it for payment in blueberries or a little cash?
I think this sounds so sweet, what a nice way to spend time with your father out of doors. Not sure where you live but I think that golf cart is going to come in very handy!
I see blueberry pie in your future.
My goodness some of the people here would rather you wrap him up in bubblewrap than let the man pick berries. Yes he might fall and yes he might get stung by a bee but both of those things could happen anytime he stepped foot outside. Let the man pick blueberries!