Janie-

My father was pretty stubborn as well but for him (and us) the issue was hearing. I wish we had convinced him to try headphones and mics long before his last two weeks in the hospital. The other hearings aids proved very frustrating. Headphones worked great!

Another alternative is a 4-wheel walker with a seat on it and a basket for "stuff." My mother finds this very useful for gardening and for maneuvering in confined spaces such as restaurants and shops. It also provides her much more exercise than a scooter chair, which she does use in larger spaces such as museums. She uses a regular walker for getting around her cramped farmhouse.

Probably the best thing to do is invite a consultant to assess your parents and their living pattern. There really are better options than being confined to an easy chair and watching CNN.

Charley Noble