SARA STEDY ---

[bazooka111]

I am trying to anticipate the needs for some changes with Mom and her mobility -- I have been looking at Sara Stedy's here in the USA --- whew they are expensive! I have found one for 995.00 used from an individual on Ebay --- do any of you have an opinion on this investment? Debating on whether I should get one or not.

[honjen43]

Hi Bazooka, when I looked at your post, I noted there were several related to Sara Steady appearing below near bottom of page. So try searching, too. Journeyofjoy shouted its praises.

All seem to be in favour! Hope you find it helpful if you get one. We didn't use one as we sidestepped into hospital.

Big hug to you and to Momma!!

Jen XXX XXX

[bazooka111 in reply to honjen43]

Thank you Jen! I tend to forget that the page is different than from my iPhone screen; I see it now that Im on my computer. I will definitely do a little more reading on this decision.

Mom is starting to stiffen, and it amazes me how her feet just freeze to the floor. She hasn't lost her sense of humor though, she makes me laugh --- when she gets stuck she will start to laugh at herself, and I will make light of it --- she's a dream to take care, she truly is --God blessed me with a wonderful Momma.

Its amazing how things can change so quickly -- from day to day.

Big hugs back

Kim xxx

[honjen43 in reply to bazooka111]

Talk to a physio and see if you can get exercises you can help her do, or get some massage techniques from them to help loosen muscle and lengthen tendons where they are not being moved enough. It might help in the short term.

Keep an eye out for folding parts - fingers, backs of knees, neck area, armpits - as when they are not moved it is difficult to keep clean and dry.

I have a damaged shoulder which would stiffen and refuse to work if my physio didn't work on it, especially after I have been hammering or painting - which it does not like!

I just love seeing your lovely pictures of your smiling Momma. It must help you a lot to see that smile of appreciation for all your hard work!

Hugs to you both!

Jen XXX XXX

[bazooka111 in reply to honjen43]

Thank you Jen! I have finally found an in-home massage therapist - she is fabulous! I have had to test 3 so far, and didn’t re-hire them until this gal I found - Mom likes her too!!! So, I’m going to attempt this massage therapy, praying it till bring Mom some relief ... it’s worth the try. Hugs to you!

[messier]

Mum has just moved to a nursing home where they have a Sara Stedy and it's exactly what she needs at the moment. The patient needs enough upper body strength to lift themselves up.

[bazooka111 in reply to messier]

Moms upper body strength is sometimes better than mine —- so I’m confident in that area ... I hate that this item is not as easily accessible through our twisted health system in the USA

[enjoysalud]

Everything related to health care and medical care is EXPENSIVE in the USA.

I read of all the perks that UK and Canada and EU have and I am filled with envy, but also motivated to communicate with my political representatives. I give thanks that I live in the progressive state of CALIFORNIA, but compared to many other countries we are still far behind. Just need to vent

I have no info to give you to "sara stedy" but all those who have experience laud the pluses.

Good luck!

[bazooka111 in reply to enjoysalud]

I’m with you on that - USA has a massive problem when it comes to this healthcare system ... ugggh

[Heady]

Hi Kim, there are various systems that all seem to have the name Sara Steady's, or similar names. There appears to be one in the USA, which the name comes from, that is all singing all dancing. Here in the UK, I had a similar type of thing, that basically looked and worked like a sack truck. A very basic bit of equipment. Steve could pull himself up onto a base on small wheels, I could then turn him, so he could transfer to a chair, toilet or even the bed. I can't believe that would cost the figures you are quoting. Sorry, I can't remember the actual name. I would definitely do more research or talk to Mum's physio, before buying anything.

Lots of love

Anne

[journeyofjoy]

I can't say enough good things about Sara Stedy. This device allowed my husband to stay at home vs a nursing home. We used it for five months when he could no longer use it. At that point, we installed a ceiling mounted electronic hoist.

They retail for $2800 plus tax so they are very expensive. I managed to buy mine from someone I know in the medical durable goods business so I paid $2000. I am selling it for $1000. If you can get the one you are talking about, grab it. Is it local or do you have to have it shipped?

She needs to have some upper body strength and be able to stand on one leg. Sandy couldn't even put his feet on the platform some of the time but I was able to lift his feet up. I recommend going online and looking at a video of how these are used. They are so much better than a "sit to stand" device where you need to use slings.

[bazooka111 in reply to journeyofjoy]

This is very helpful - thank you 🙏🏻

[Bianca]

Hubby used the Sara Stedy for 3 years before he became bed-bound. As long as the patient has some upper arm and upper body strength, it was the best investment that we had made. It was so much easier to use than the hoist. The belt that we purchased with it is a must as it keeps the patient from leaning or falling out. The Sara Stedy was used for all his transfers - from bed to wheelchair, or to the toilet, and vice versa. We called it his girlfriend, Sara.

All the best in making your decision.

[Hidden]

Wonderful device but, difficult on carpet!

[AnneandChris]

Hello there

If you look at the historic posts you will see that I posted details of one. We used it right up to the beginning of December when Chris took to his bed. It was invaluable. Yes it can be harder to use on carpet but I or a carer could use it single handed.

You're doing a wonderful job with your Mum.

Keep on keeping on

Anne

[bazooka111 in reply to AnneandChris]

Anne I am so sorry for your loss —- my heart breaks for you! Praying this morning for you, and asking that you are surrounded by angels of comfort and peace —- what a journey this is, and no one, and I mean no one understands the daily on this disease. I’ll look at the historic posts now - blessings to you

[Dance1955]

They are brilliant I used one in hospital for my husband but I can’t get one as it won’t fit into my toilet just make sure the size us ok best thing ever and I’ve used hoists in my work too but these are better go for it 😊😊😊

[bazooka111 in reply to Dance1955]

Thank you - I have to look at the toilet situation as well and see if it will fit ...going to find the measurements - thanks for the tip!

[Doublereeder]

Hi Kim,

I'm pretty sure I remember reading a few times that to help unfreeze feet, place one of yours in front and in between hers and that may trigger a response of what your mum needs to do next. Sorry to be a bit vague but at least you've nothing to lose if she remains stuck!

[Caz49]

Hi bazooka111,

I can't praise Sara enough.

My husband had an accident which left him an incomplete quadriplegic three years before his diagnosis of PSP which masked a lot of the symptoms of this dreadful disease.

After 10 months in hospital after the accident, I was able to bring him home. I don't know how I would have been able to handle him without the use of Sara. (He called it his "lazy Susan".

As time went on Sara become more and more necessary to be able to transfer him.

In Australia there is now a different brand much cheaper with the same operational qualities.

My prayers are with you.

Caz

[bazooka111 in reply to Caz49]

Thank you Caz — there is a copy cat brand here in the USA, and it can be purchased for $500 via Amazon ... Sara retails at $2500. Can you believe it?! I have found a couple used Sara’s, sonIm strongly considering it

[CathyHide]

I used a Sara Steady with my husband in the later stages and it enabled him to stay at home until the end. I could not have lifted him without it and even with an aid it made life easier for the carers and also for him. It is much less intrusive going to the toilet etc. when they are unable to walk. Luckily in NZ the health system paid for the hire.

[AJK2001]

My Mum had the sack trolley type that Heady described - called a Return Sit to Stand Aid which came with a harness, this worked well for her right until 48 hours before she died but it did depend on her maintaining sufficient upper body strength & also some ability to weight bear. I would ask an OT for pros & cons of both. If you are having to buy, I would go for something that is future proof - you know the saying "buy cheap, buy twice"

[bazooka111 in reply to AJK2001]

I’ve read your post twice now ... buy cheap, buy twice ... so smart ... my brain is now in gear to think this through and make the right purchase - so, thank you ! 🙌🏻

[roadrace]

I live in the U.S. and when I knew it was time for help getting my husband in and out of bed, I signed up for hospice care. They provide an easy stand, similar to Sara Steady, and any other equipment we needed free. They also pay for most of needed medications and other needed supplies. I made it clear before I signed up that if hubby had an UTI or aspirated pneumonia, I would be sending him to the ER. They told me he could go the the hospital as many times as I felt necessary. The first hospice company I met with, discouraged sending hubby to the hospital.

Hubby has since been in the hospital twice since we signed up. The first time he had aspirated pneumonia and an UTI that became septic. The second time he had an UTI and asthma. He recovered both times.

I would encourage anyone in the U.S. to look into hospice care. They have been a godsend to me. We have an aid five times a week and the nurse stops in twice. If we are going out, I will cancel any visits.

Bless everyone on this site!

[bazooka111 in reply to roadrace]

Roadrace! Someone suggested hospice to me recently! I was going to call today and inquire for Mom —- this is so encouraging! I will call today ...

[Railfan in reply to bazooka111]

I just started looking at this thread. If you are going to look at Hospice, some also do Palliative Care which is all about quality of life vs the end of life portion.

[bazooka111 in reply to Railfan]

That is exactly what I’m looking into now .. Palliative Care ... we shall see

[Karynleitner]

We had one and were able to use it about a year. It was very nice. I wish we would of gotten it sooner. I think with help, I could possibly still use it, but we have a ceiling lift I can do alone now.

Best of luck. You’re amazing. 👍🏽

[bazooka111 in reply to Karynleitner]

Hey hey - so, I ordered the Lumex on Amazon, deciding that if doesn’t work I can easily return - I really wanted the Sara Stedy, but they are upwards of 2800.00 anywhere I look. I have started the process of getting Palliative Care, but that’s a process - so, I need it now - so I bought it, will see if it will be helpful to us and if not I can always return it.

[SewBears in reply to bazooka111]

Hi! Did you order this one?

Lumex Stand Assist Patient Transport Unit, LF1600

I can’t play the video on Amazon right now because it’s coming up on 5AM and my husband is asleep next to me. The pictures look like a nice substitute for the Sara Steady. Crazy how expensive everything is! Let us know if it’s a keeper.

Thanks for the update!

❤️ I SewBears

[bazooka111]

Yes, I should receive it tomorrow. I am hopeful that it will fill the need. I did find a guy that is willing to sell me a used (like new) Sara Stedy for $900, but he lives in Nashville (450 miles away) and he will not ship. I also found another used Sara Stedy in Dayton, OH (2.5 hours away) and came down to $1500 from $1800 ..... so, needless to say, $550 is the best option for me right now. I hate that these items are so expensive -- new is upwards of $3000.00

My thinking at this point, is that I have an option to return with Amazon if it does not work for us --- we shall see. I will give a report once we are able to test drive.

Mom's mobility is becoming challenging in transitioning from chair to wheelchair; her feet just freeze, making it very difficult to position her safely. Interesting thing is that it is not every day ... but enough to where I am feeling a strong need for something to assist. We shall see. Stay tuned.