Home » Daily Care » Mobility & Falls » Questions » How can I get my mother up when she falls, I…
Print
Email
Carol Bradley Bursack, Sep 17, 2010
Over the span of two decades author, columnist and speaker Carol Bradley Bursack cared for a neighbor and six elderly family members. Because of this experience, Bradley Bursack created a portable support group, the book "Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories."
Wow, does that bring back memories for me! I had to call the fire department weekly for awhile and was told I was abusing the system. I didn't intentionally do that, but what do we do?I've (semi) jokingly said in interviews that every city needs one person or more on call to just help up elders who have fallen. We aren't likely to get that. The falls were what eventually put my mother in an excellent nursing home.Of course, eliminating as many falls as possible if the first step. I'm assuming you have taken steps to remove hazards. Talking to the doctor about why he or she falls is important as well. My neighbor and I could, by working together, get him up from the floor by using a chair as an aid, but that didn't work for my mother. I don't know of any safe device that can help - even nursing homes use trained people. I wish I could do more than offer sympathy and emotional support. If anyone out there knows of such a device, please let us know.Carol
(0)
Report this Post
sylvester18
Give a Hug
Sep 17, 2010
You can rent a Hoyer lIft (belt hoist) which is used at nursing homes to lift the elders up off the bed and into their chairs. Or you can go to a nursing home and ask someone to teach you how to assist her after she has fallen. My experience from lifting my Dad from the floor was to roll him onto his back, then facing him, my legs streaddled on either side of him, I would pull him by his shirt into a sitting position, holding him there, I would move around to his back while he was in the sitting position, put my arms(at elbow bend) under his underarms and lift him up while my knees were slightly bent. Lift mostly with your legs, it takes the strain off of your back. You have to do this very quickly. Also, you need to have her positioned by a chair, couch or a bed. It's over with before you know it.
Helpful Answer (1)
djheichel
Thank you for your kind responses. I continued searching after I posted my question. I found out that Medicare will pay for a portable Hoyer lift if it takes 2 or more people to pick the person up. She definitely falls into that category (no pun intended)! The doctor has to prescribe/approve it. In our case, the doctor sent the order directly to a local durable medical equipment company. They will deliver and train me how to use it.
Please stay on topic or ask a new question.
Have a question? Just need to vent? Find answers and support from the real experts - other caregivers!
How to deal with a mother who doesn't care about or love me? Answered 5 mins ago by jeannegibbs
Beat Caregiver Burnout, Be Honest With Yourself and Others Comment 16 mins ago by DT
As POA & primary caregiver, am I responsible for my parents' well-being when I'm at work? Answered 49 mins ago by ambsmith
The Caregiver....How are YOU doing today? Comment 53 mins ago by ladee
Grossed Out? Need to Vent? Just caught Mom using my toothbrush to comb her hair! Comment 1 hr ago by tbailey
More From The Community »
Sign up for our newsletter and receive practical tips and support for caregivers
Like AgingCare.com on Facebook
To use this feature, you must be a member.
Just what a caregiver needs to make life a little easier. Join AgingCare.com for FREE!
Access the Caregiver Forum
Answers and support from caregivers and elder care experts.
Receive Helpful Caregiving Information
Articles on providing care, senior health, financial and legal matters, and more.
Create Your Personal Account
Customize your experience to see what is important to you and your unique caregiving situation.
Already a Member?
Login to your account
Screen name or email address:
Password: