Caregivers Support Group

I am on the other side of the fence from you, being 5'10" and 190, but my wife weighs considerably more than I am, and has no leg or arm strength to speak of to asssist in the lifting. There have been four times in the past while doing transfers that she didn't sit in the chair or on the edge of the bed properly, and slid to the floor. After several attempts on my own I too had to call the neighbor over to assist. I have also called my local police dept. when a neighbor was'tt available. I made sure my wife was somewhat comfortable sitting on the floor, and instead of calling 911, I just called the police dept. explained what had happened and asked for assistance. Two police officers showed up within 5 min., and helped me get her back into her wheel chair. They made sure she was ok, and told me to call them anytime under similar circumstances....and I have done so with no problems. I'm not sure how police would respond in a larger city, but living in a small community, I have had no problem. With the neighbor, we had to lift my wife in stages....first up and onto a foot stool....then upward to a low sitting chair such as a folding chair....and then finally to her wheel chair. If all else fails for you, I wouldn't hesitate to call 911, explain the circumstances and ask for assistance. I hope that info helps a little. Hugs.

I don't know if something like this (see link below) would work for you, but it's worth looking into....a security pole. We have a few installed around the house. My sister hasn't fallen since we got them, but she has used them to pull herself up off the floor and onto a chair (after coming up the stairs). They are very easy to install and/or move around.

http://www.amazon.com/Standers-Secu...

How about purchasing or renting a patient lift? See link...
http://www.1stseniorcare.com/Produc...

Would your insurance company get one for you? Rent? Just in case something like this happens again. There are hydraulic versions that are not that expensive to rent/buy.

Good luck! Thinking of you and your husband's full recovery.

thanks everyone for your advice, I think perhaps calling 911 in the future is the way to go. The trick will be to not freak out and try to stay calm! And not attempt to lift him myself, I learned my lesson. Ouch.

thanks again, you guys are great!

Caring already said, but my son was in the floor once I and called 911 too. I explained when they answered that it was not an emergency that I just needed a "lift assist" and these really nice looking firefighters showed up in about 3 minutes and gently lifted my son back up and made sure he was fine. I told my son he should get into the floor once a month because these were some really nice looking guys!! lol! But that is really safer than hurting your back.

a lot depends on how the person falls, and in the case of a CVA (stroke) it's usually to the weak side
making it all the more difficult to get the person up... help IS needed in that case.. other options are a hoyer lift
if all else fails, call 911 for EMT assistance
hope this helps

I would call the fire dept. You could really hurt yourself trying to move him and that would be horrible for both of you