Just a thought. When my mom's resisted a suggestion from me, I find she is much more receptive if the same suggestion comes from a healthcare professional. On top of that, there is a wide range of walker styles, and they should be adjusted for the individual's height and needs. I would really hesitate to just pick one up for him, without getting the right advice from someone who knows how to fit them. In your shoes, I'd try to have him schedule a dr's appt. while I was visiting, and I'd accompany him (giving the dr. a call ahead of time to voice my concerns). That way, if the dr. prescribes a walker, your father may be more inclined to use it. You can talk to the dr. about what's right for your dad's specific needs. Then, you really should take your father to a good medical supply store, so he can try different styles, and so they can properly fit the one he buys to his height. And they should instruct him on using it properly. Truly, the medical supply store staff is one of the best sources of info, I find. I go to a really good one in my area where they're always willing to answer all your questions. Don't know about the insurance situation for your father--but for my mom, having the dr's prescription meant that her insurance picked up the cost of her walker. So that's another thing you might want to look into. Know what you're going through. My mom never wants to accept any changes at all--but once we finally cajole (or insist, as the case may be--LOL) her into them, she usually is happy with things that make her life easier. Good luck.

Let's look at the products... Amana GSC is the low end line, same as a Goodman branded unit. 10 year all parts warranty is a plus. If you like the Amana dealer, ask about the ASC13 instead. Much nicer built unit. Rheem/Ruud UAND-048 is probably the nicest unit and my choice. If the JAZ version, high & low pressure protection and compressor start assist. 10 year compressor warranty, 5 year parts. Westinghouse FS5BD is a nice unit as well. Probably the quietest of the bunch with a "swept wing" fan blade. 10 year compressor warranty, 8 year parts, 5 year quality pledge which gets you a new unit if the compressor dies plus some labor for the swap. The Carrier quoted is the low end of their line too. It and the Amana should be the lowest price based on the equipment. 5 year parts warranty. The Trane is the cheaper of their 2 13 SEER units. It will be big, possibly a bit noisier than most. The rest have Copeland scroll compressors which is the state of the art. The Trane will have the old reciprocating design made in Mexico. Only 5 year compressor & parts warranty. There's a summary of the equipment. But the previous post on quality of the job is very important as well. Too many dealers don't properly size (they oversize) and don't always set up the equipment well. So pick a great unit but make sure you feel you are getting the best dealer too.

I have the GE Harmony and I just love it. We also have 6 people in our family and I do a lot of laundry. It replaced my '97 TL GE with a regular agitator and I think the Harmony does a better job. You can fit tons of clothes in it. I'm not sure about the king-sized comforter. It would depend on how thick it is. I wash my king down blanket with no problem. Thicker than a blanket but thinner than a regular comforter. To give you an idea of what it holds, I can wash 2 sets of king sheets comfortably.

After checking out machines for a few years, I have decided to keep my very old Elna SU and buy a cheapo for when I need some extra fancy stitches. My Elna SU hates lint, but sews like a dream and is very quiet. I figured that the cheapo will last one or two years and cost about $100. When it totally brakes, I'll just get a different cheap one. If I spend about $75.00 per year - that's not bad. My friends have spent $1,200. to $5,000. - sure it will last many years, but I'm not comfortable spending that kind of money and then worrying about the machine. If I drop a cheapo, I'll cry, but if I dropped an expensive machine, I'd end up at the therapist - and that would be more money. teehee Just try all the machines you can afford - then jump in. Good luck.