PSP - does anyone know about a trapeze for bed?

[journeyofjoy]

It seems that we get one thing solved and another problem pops up. We now have a hospital bed for my husband but he has a difficult time getting out of bed. He can't turn his legs around, his feet get stuck too close together and at least one of them won't touch the floor. Has anyone used one of the bed trapezes? A stand with a hand lever attached? There is always a new issue to resolve and once I figure it out, I feel like we are cooking along just fine...then something else comes along. I know a lot of you feel the same way. Discouraging. Every time something happens, I am afraid that I won't be able to keep him at home although I know many of you have kept your people at home for the duration.

[NannaB]

It wouldn’t have been any good for my husband as by the time he went into a hospital bed, he was physically unable to get out alone. To start with I could put him in a sitting position and swing his legs round onto the standing hoist but very soon he was unable to stand so we were issued with a swing hoist so I could get him to his chair/commode/wheelchair. I was able to keep my husband at home with carers to help morning and night but I was and still am in my 60s and have no medical conditions. I promised Colin I’d keep him home as long as I was physically and mentally able to look after him. I thank God I was but would not have felt guilty if I couldn’t as he deserved the best and if I couldn’t give it to him I would have let someone else do it. The roller coaster continues for you both and you can only do what you can, at the same time, looking after yourself.

Best wishes

XxxX

[MaddyS]

I had a pole, which fitted from floor to ceiling. It had a type of adjustable handle. It worked miracles, fitted the same in the bathroom. We bought it from Lloyd's pharmacy. I will try and find out what it was called and let you know. Take care x

[journeyofjoy in reply to MaddyS]

We have two of these "stander" poles. I took them down and put them in the garage when we got the Sara Stedy. That may work to put one by the hospital bed. Will try it tomorrow.

[bazooka111 in reply to MaddyS]

The poles you are referring to .. do they have to be installed into the ceiling? Assuming they are secured with screws in a stud or something, right? I’m considering this for my Mom.

[honjen43]

My hubby used one for a couple of months. Is a sturdy pole on 3-legged stand with arm that holds a chain and triangle that hangs over bed. Patient can reach the base of the "trapeze" triangle and then pull self up to sitting position. Bit like the 'hangman shape' with trapeze instead of noose! Something similar usually available in most hospitals. We got ours through the same person who provided chair, commode, higher toilet seat, walker, etc. In our case, was occupational therapist.

Like all things to help during progression, it worked for a while, while he had strength.

He also found a bed arm useful. Can't recollect the proper name. Equipment is a strong metal D-shaped ring mounted on a board that slides under the mattress and provides a handle to grab and help sit up and swing legs onto floor. Worked well with trapeze while he had strength.

Reason he needed this help was because his back muscles on one side were weakening.

We chose to get to hospital when hubby could not sit up or support himself over a 48-hour period. We did not have other support services in place at home to manage.

His back muscles gradually got weaker and sitting upright was gradually more difficult. However, he continued to attempt walking with a walker for a month or so afterwards.

All you can do is try and manage as best as possible as things change. Stay positive in the moment! Sadly, they are likely to continue to change!

Stay strong! Kia kaha!

Hugs

Jen xxx

[journeyofjoy in reply to honjen43]

Jen, things do change. Just when you think you have it "handled," something changes.

[Hidden in reply to journeyofjoy]

You have just described PSP & teenagers perfectly. Sending hugs... Granni B

[journeyofjoy in reply to Hidden]

Haha!

[honjen43]

One of my coping mechanisms was to try and guess what came next, and work out if I could handle it at home, and what I needed. I managed until I could not get him to shower on my own, and the facilities were too small for both of us!

I also noted the speed at which the changes happened. To me they indicated an increase in decline and an understanding of how much further to go!

It's not something anyone might want to consider, but it helped me plot our journey, with somewhat better understanding than the useless "man in charge" at hospital who insisted he was dealing with Parkinson's, whereas the neuro specialist and I were of a similar mindset that it was much more complex! At least that gave me the impression I was following the right train of thought.

I am sad that I was unable to get Palliative Care or Hospice involved as I think they would have handled his end of life care better. However since the man in charge said my hubby could have another 12 months, they were never considered! I am pleased he did not have to suffer that long.

So see how things go and bear my thoughts in mind. Hope it helps.

Hugs

Jen xxx

[journeyofjoy in reply to honjen43]

Thank you Jen. It is quite a journey. I wonder what it will look like someday when looking back on all this. Friends asked the other day how I was "doing." I told them I didn't know - how would I know? Our perspective is so different when we're in the midst. I've never been good at living in the present. I'm always thinking ahead. God uses our situations, however bad they may be. Maybe He's teaching me how to live in the here and now. I'm a slow learner.

[Tttp]

Hi there have a pole right next to his bed I get him where he can grab his pole and stand him up then able to sit him down in his wheel chair, sometimes lately he can’t grab the pole talked to the nurse about the situation we decided against one has this late that doesn’t even work, it’s such a hard situation I have learned what works for a while doesn’t work later on. Always thinking. Take care Nettie

[journeyofjoy in reply to Tttp]

The caregiver brought the stander pole out of the garage and put it by the bed. I think it will help quite a bit and we'll save the trapeze idea for later, if necessary. I have quite a collection of medical equipment in the garage. Will have to open up a retail shop someday selling slightly used equipment. As everyone says, things work for a while...until they don't. Onward!

[MaddyS]

Hi bazooka. The pole

I refer to can but does not need to be fixed. It is telescopic so adjusts to your

room hight. It does not damage your ceiling or floor. It is completely safe. Can now be bought from Amazon : 'Security Pole and Curve Grab Bar'. You need to shop around for the

Best price. Good luck. Love maddy

I

[rnpacu]

When I worked at the hospital I remember that we had a trapeze at the head of every bed .this would let our patients help us move them up in bed . They no longer use them they now have a lifter placed on the ceiling in every room. Much better for the nurse back

.