I am looking ahead and if/when my husband isn't able to transfer from one chair to another, I need a solution. I have a feeling this is coming soon. He quit walking a week ago and it's very difficult for him to take tiny steps to transfer from chair to chair. Will I be able to operate a Hoyer lift by myself? It's even difficult to roll him if he can't help himself. He's only about 150 pounds so not heavy but I am a small person and need to be cautious so I don't injure myself. Anyone out there with experience in this area? Thanks!
I'm so grateful for this community. I just joined a couple of days ago and have been hitting everyone up with all kinds of questions. You folks are so friendly and helpful.
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journeyofjoy
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I don't have experience with a Hoyer, but was checking out a Sara Steady just before hubby died last year. In my case it was good that I didn't purchase too far in advance! However I love that you're researching and planning 👍
I used a hoyer lift at home with dad for 8-10 months. I had no issues with using it. It takes practice and having someone knowledgeable give you lesson would be good. Dad's was supplied by the VA as part of Home Based Care.
No experience with a lift apart from watching others operate it.
You sound like you are getting to a point where 2 carers are needed to safely manage your husband. Check out the local care facilities, especially those who understand PSP/CBD, how you get carers, what they charge and how to get financial assistance.
Maybe also check out getting a hospital bed too. Sides are helpful to help you roll your husband, as well as keeping him 'on board' if you roll too vigorously!
You mention you have trouble rolling your husband. There is a sheet called "Slippery Sam" which is made of nylon (tent type material). I only saw it used with 2 carers, but once it is tucked underneath him, it would be so much easier to slide him to one side of bed, or roll him on his side.
Have not read your other 2 recent posts, so some of my comments may relate to them instead!
Forward thinking was what kept me (relatively) sane in this unpredictable progression! Keep on doing it, quietly as no doubt your husband feels he is "fine" in the present. Mine seemed to have little concern for his future - until there was a sudden change.
Thanks for your reply. We aren't there yet. I'm just trying to be proactive in case we wake up one day and he can't transfer. I plan to keep him at home. I am his caregiver other than someone that comes in 16 hours/week so I can get away or take care of other things. We may have to increase caregiver hours at some point but it's very expensive.
I was able to use a stand assist device for quite a while for my husband by myself. It worked great. The one we used was a Lumex that I got thru Amazon. I think they run quite a bit cheaper than a sara steady. It worked great and made transferring so much safer. You can watch videos to see how they work. Just Google stand assist device. We never had another fall after we started using one.
Hi do you mean a hoist I used a hoist for years in my full time job as a carer the clients didn’t like to use them the full hoist that is
but a standing hoist is very easy and you would be able to use that 🤗 However I would suggest a Sarah steady they are brilliant my husband had the use of one in the hospital and I loved it much easier for transfers especially for toileting have a look at both
I never had to use a hoist during my husband's journey. The Steady Sara worked brilliant for us. Made everything so much easier and kept that tiny bit of independence, as he had to pull himself up or lower down to the chair or loo.
See if there is anyone around that can show you how to move your husband without hurting yourself. Was only thinking earlier on this morning, what Carers lack is practical advise. We are all expected to do all this caring lark, but nobody shows us how. All professionals get years of training to do what we have to, on a daily basis with none!
Lots of love
Anne
Learning to be Proactive instead of Reactive has been one of greatest lessons in life. You are wise to research all the information on this forum and bounce questions off of your new PSP family. There is a wealth of knowledge here. Sending hugs... Granni B
Funnily enough we have just had a multi-discipline team meeting yesterday where my fathers OT deemed the Zara steady too dangerous for him and caters to use. His symptoms mean he now leans to one side so the electrical hoist version of the Zara steady isn’t practical or safe to use. It’s difficult getting ahead of the progression but we have now had an emergency decision made that he needs a ceiling track hoist. So whilst it’s being ordered / installed my dad is bed bound as it’s not safe for the careers to move him. We literally have no say in this - So it’s good to get regular OT appointments to avoid this... it’s a horrid situation to be bed bound and have it enforced
I am blessed to have had a ceiling hoist installed 2. O thanks ago. My husband is 6’2, I am 5’2. He is totally rigid and cannot sit up himself. The ceiling hoist is very easy to use and works great for us. I am able to get him up and back to bed with no trouble. I think you will like it. We do have a standing Aid (Sera Steady). It worked great, it I can no longer use it alone. It requires him to sit up on the end of the bed . With his rigidity, that’s difficult for him. .
I was going through old posts regarding lifts and saw your post. I am ordering a ceiling track system with an electronic hoist for my husband. He has been using Sara Stedy which is the best invention known to man, however, his rigidity is now making it almost impossible to get on/off Sara and also to sit up.
I've really pondered buying this system as it's extremely expensive and a couple of weeks ago thought I was doing it in advance of needing it. Now, I wish it was here today!!
I was just sifting through old posts regarding lifts and ran across this post. So thankful to find it. I am ordering a ceiling track system with electronic lift for my husband. He too has used the Sara Stedy for about five months and it's been a lifesaver but it's getting nearly impossible for him to get his hips inside the Sara and also to sit up on the bed to get onto it. His body is so rigid and getting worse.
Hi, we have just had a sit to stand electric hoist delivered on prescription. A couple of weeks ago I had a bad tummy (my own fault, I ate a well out of date creme caramele !) and felt rather weak but it really hit me that hubby would be stuck if I hurt myself or was unable to help him stand for some reason, so although we don't really need it right now, I would rather have it ready just in case.
Hubby can still walk with his frame for the moment, not far but enough to move from one room to another but we tested the hoist and it is really easy to use , takes up a lot of room though ! We're in france and it's a sort of standard issue.
Hi , I was having the same problems as you a couple of months ago and the Occupational Therapist took us to a mobility place and we settled on a transfer frame called a RE TURN 7500. Going from bed to wheelchair CH puts his feet (with help) on a small circular floor level platform and pulls himself to standing (he is strong in the arm) while I just steady the fame. I then simply turn the frame which is on wheels , I reach for the wheelchair and pull it behind CH and he can sit down easily. Fortunately our "package " paid for this. It has made a big difference. We are waiting for a commode/shower wheel chair to help with toileting and showering.... It is a shame that there is not a second hand / hire service here (Townsville - Australia) to help because truly you just dont know how long it is going to be needed. ... cheers ... Val
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