She lives with my brother and sister-in-law out of state, and I try to visit often. She has almost pulled us down several times, and our arms & shoulders get very sore after helping her walk, as she's a large/heavy woman. She refuses to use a walker, saying she doesn't need one. I'm afraid we're both going to fall, and be seriously injured. How can we convince her to use her walker? Her knees are not strong enough to support her anymore; it's not a balance problem. She's almost 82.
Other shoppers have admired this arrangement. It even helps us with most of the employees helping us when needed. This even helps me relax while shopping, which I need.
I no longer have fear of her falling, wearing me out, getting lost, or causing me to have to hurry or miss thing we really need.
Try talking to her into riding in a chair or a motorized shopping cart. Heck she has earned the privilege of riding and the respect of some others by doing this.
Have her doctor order a physical therapy evaluation to determine her need for a walker. And to show her how to use it.
Then just say "no".
When she asks for assistance push her the walker, if she says no then she figures it out. Sorry mom, it is to hard on me physically to help support you, if you need any support it needs to be the walker. Repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat and repeat again until she uses the walker.
My mom helped her MIL that didn't need a walker and ended up tearing her rotator cuff and had to have 2 surgeries. She still has problems after 20 years.