I’ve been thinking about whether physical therapy for my grandmother (who has severe inclusion body Myositis and is confined to a powerchair) can possibly bring back enough strength for her to walk again. I don’t think she has any interest in doing this at all. It would take years and years for a PT to work with her due to her condition plus it can be expensive and my grandparents don’t have the money, but I thought if she can stand up to urinate into a jar and position her body in her wheelchair, she could possibly learn how to walk again.
My mother loves PT yet she is and has been overweight for years. The AL facility is happy she takes herself down to the therapy room and gets on the reclining bike. If she gets an injury some PT is prescribed but only for a certain period of time. I have wanted her to lose weight for years but have just given up on that discussion. She just turned 89.
I have heard from others that their parent refuses to really try at PT. Your wish is a good one but may sadly not be a realistic one.
I am of course assuming she is currently getting therapy. If she is not you might ask her doctor if a PT evaluation is appropriate for her. She has a tough diagnosis. Wishing you good luck.
That's not to say it's not possible. After they gave up I took over. She can stand by herself with a walker again now. Working on the walking.
So if she needs PT to conserve those abilities, make sure she gets it.
And if the PTs at the same time can help her even improve on what she can do at the moment, so much the better. It doesn't really matter whether "she will walk again!" or not - all mobility is good mobility and worth working towards.
What does she think? Is she willing to try?