If still mobile, the legs are growing weaker and less reliable

As thighs weaken, more assistance is required when rising or walking

More apathetic about movement within the house, sometimes choosing to spend a lot of time in a favorite chair, for example, even when self-movement or easy transfers are still possible

Less interested in outings, which have become more difficult

Eventually, it is likely that the patient will be unable to get out of bed

When bedridden, it becomes increasingly difficult to turn over without help

Generally, the legs lose strength before the arms do

Inactivity while on Decadron does allow the drug to cause faster muscle atrophy, with the thighs acting as the prime target

As things progress, the legs may wither considerably as muscle is lost

Frustrated over the loss of independence

Angry about being "babied" when caregivers offer physical support

Curious and hopeful about whether physical therapy could regain motor
function

Passionate and desperate about exercising in a final effort to halt the deficits

Apathetic toward being moved from place to place if no longer able to enjoy
daily activities once there

Short-tempered toward the caregiver if the assistance is clumsy, awkward,
or uncomfortable

Legitimately fearful of accidents and injury when transferred by the caregiver

Envious that the primary caregiver has more mobility and freedom, sometimes leading to possessiveness, or fussing when the caregiver has been out of the room for longer than a few minutes

Shameful over "burdening" the caregiver (especially if the primary caregiver is an aged spouse, is significantly smaller than the patient, or has back problems)

Sorry that he or she is unable to offer the normal help around the house, especially if spending most of the time in a public room where it is more obvious that household chores may be neglected

Mentions previous strength and stamina in an effort to remind him- or her- self of what they used to be capable of

Depressed because outings or even changes of venue within the house have become more limited, meaning that the world has suddenly grown very small

Aware that the physical deficits make him or her feel like an invalid

Afraid that as motor deficits increase, his or her quality of life will be minimal

Concerned over whether he or she has the strength to support the patient safely

Worried that the patient will attempt to walk without supervision and suffer a fall

Achy (especially if he or she already has back problems)

Afraid of hurting the patient when making bedding adjustments

Curious about equipment that might be helpful

Frustrated by spending so much time in one room of the house

Tired, if needed throughout the night to help the patient move from the bed to the toilet or to address other needs resulting from the lack of physical mobility