Getting up from a fall

[Autumnstone]

Hello everyone, this is only my second post on this very informative site. My husband was diagnosed with PSP last February. He probably had it a year before that but was misdiagnosed with MCI. Up until Lockdown March 2020 he was going to the Gym at least 3 times a week. Now he cant walk unaided, he uses a walker indoors/outdoors & we have just had a stairlift installed as I was so afraid that he would eventually fall backwards down the stairs. The thing that I really need help with is what or how is the best way to help him get up from the bedroom floor or bathroom floor when he falls backwards, usually those two rooms where there is the least space to maneuvere around!! We do usually manage in the end but it is gradually becoming worse. Bearing on mind 10yrs ago he had two new hips replaced & he finds it awkward to get himself into a position that helps me to get him to his feet & up off the floor. He fell backwards at about 3.30am this morning in the bedroom coming back from the bathroom & it took an age to get him off the floor & back in bed! I am feeling shattered now so can anyone give me any tips pleeese!!!

He is quite strong in the upper body just his legs wont do what we want them to do🤔

[Martina_MP]

Here is a video: youtu.be/10jR0zjl19Y(Not working as expected?)

Basically you have to help them and coach them to get on hands and knees and then put the hands on a chair or the tub or toilet or coffee table etc, come to kneeling, get one foot onto the ground and push up and sit down. One problem is that people with PSP often cannot follow directions when it comes to moving their body. You have to guide him through it patiently. Practicing with a physical therapist might help.

Another possibility is a Raizer lifting chair. I heard from someone that she was using it a lot for her husband. It’s frightfully expensive but she thought it was worth it. If you can find funding, it might save you having to call someone else for help.There is a phase during which people fall a lot until they are at the point when they need a wheelchair. youtu.be/rdiowOJOMhQ(Not working as expected?)

[Autumnstone in reply to Martina_MP]

Thank you Martina_MP. The chair looks incredible!! I expect they are very expensive but will look into it by all means Would be the answer most definitely!!

[AnneandChris]

I had a similar problem with my husband. OT supplied us with a Manger ELK inflatable lifting cushion which was invaluable. Chris was a 6 footer and I'm 5ft1in! Hope this helps.Anne

[Autumnstone in reply to AnneandChris]

Thank you AnneandChris, I have heard of this before so will look into this. I am only 5' 2" & my husband isnt much taller than me but when they are on the floor it' just like a dead weight!!!

[plieepal in reply to AnneandChris]

I got this for mom as well but she couldn’t sit still while the cushions being inflated, and it’s just me operating it, the only time we tried to use it I found it too hard for me to stabilize her while I push buttons to inflate and will need to change my position to push her up...I gave up and called fire and rescue that time

[key4u]

NHS Physio in Rehabilitation Services (probably who supplied your Walker) will do a lesson on getting up from a fall. It involves turning over on to stomach and a chair. Social Work OT can supply shower commode chair then it’s just a case of stand up from bed and sit in chair, either just use that with bucket or wheel into bathroom right over toilet. For that transfer out of bed NHS Physio in ICST can supply stand aids, powered stand aid and Social Work OT can also install hoist for that transfer.

Community Alarm team have inflatable equipment to lift.

Get to know a strong neighbour.

Keep legs strong use grab rail for standing training and prefer stand aids over hoisting. Molift stand aid can wheel someone standing around house for half an hour.

Stick baby bumpers on all sharp furniture don’t sit in front any glass windows or door panels.

[Autumnstone in reply to key4u]

Thank you for the information. We have purchased most of my husbands walking aids ourselves as what the OT offered wasnt brilliant to be honest. We had our bath removed & have a walk in shower which my husband doesnt have a problem with. As you know the falls can happen anytime any place anywhere! You dont get any warning!!

[key4u in reply to Autumnstone]

A fall diary will help the NHS OT and Social Work OT risk assess to supply correct equipment.

[Martina_MP in reply to Autumnstone]

Yes they can fall even when you are right next to them!

[Autumnstone in reply to Martina_MP]

They can indeed! It usually happens when I've just gone out of the room!!

[Jules_Em]

Hi Autumnstone. I was in a very similar position to you, last week. My Dad was diagnosed around the same time as your husband, but my Dad had been showing symptoms for at least 2 years prior to his diagnosis (he'd refused to go to his GP). Every time my Dad would fall we would try to get him onto his front and then onto his hands and knees. Then, with a bit of effort (and thanks to strategically placed items of furniture) we would manage to get him to his feet again.

Have you spoken to your Occupational Therapist about this? It may be that they can provide a hoist or something similar that can help you get him to his feet.

Good luck. I know how difficult and frustrating it is.

[Autumnstone in reply to Jules_Em]

Thanks Jules_Em it certainly isnt easy. I know what I want him to do & what position is the best way to get him up, but unfortunately as I said having two titanium hips he is restricted to what he can do!! We do manage in the end, but at 3.30am in the morning in the bedroom when it' cold & dark outside I do wonder how long it will take before we get him to his feet!! I have spoken to the Physio about this ages ago but she didnt offer much!!!

[Jules_Em in reply to Autumnstone]

Oh bless you. It does sound like you're having an awful time. Have you thought about contacting Adult Social Services? I had to do this in the end. They were really great and sorted out a carer for Dad, until we could get him a place at a local care home. It's a tough call to make ... admitting that we could no longer look after Dad, ourselves ... but we are comforted in the fact that he is now getting the right support and care.

[Autumnstone in reply to Jules_Em]

Your right Jules_Em it is a tough call. My husband is only 68! Cant think of him going into a nursing home. Perhaps before long Adult Social Sevices. Thank you everyone for all your ideas, tips, & advice. I will carry on doing what I'm doing until such times that I have to admit defeat!!! 😘

[Uscarol]

Totally agree with Martina... I used to lift my husband from behind when he could comply. Then I taught him to roll over and get on all fours and then he had enough arm strength to help me get him up.The falls are the worst. The last fall he had before I got care givers was a bathroom fall on a stone floor. A head cut. We all know that head injuries bleed a lot. It looked like a crime scene. Scared be enough to get the overnight caregivers. Now that "our" journey is over, I will pop in from time to time to offer tidbits of wisdom, such that it is, and wish all my fellow caregivers a big hug

[Jules_Em in reply to Uscarol]

I know what you mean about a head injury bleeding a lot. When my Dad headbutted the wardrobe in his bedroom, my sis and I spent a good hour cleaning the carpet. And the first thing he said, when he returned from the hospital, was "you missed a bit". 😳