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mejjy11 Asked January 2019

Is there a walker that can aid in getting up from a sitting position?

Grandma sometimes has issues getting up from her recliner and from her bed. She often pulls on her walker in an effort to get up, which is unsafe. Thankfully, she does realize that the walker can't hold her weight when she pulls on it like that. Is there another type of walker she could use that could hold her weight so she can use it to get up?


I'm looking into things for the recliner and bed that can help her, but I want to explore all the options first. I don't want to confuse her by trying too many different things.

cwillie Jan 2019
There are dozens of bed assist rail styles available to for any need and budget, check Amazon for ideas. I know there are also similar devices available for chairs and sofas - not sure what they are called.

Mel2159 Jan 2019
I installed a bed bar that I ordered from amazon.com and my dad uses it all the time to get in and out of bed. It costs just under $30 and is made by Medline:

Medline Bed Assist Bar with Storage Pocket, and Height Adjustable Bed Rail for assistance getting in and out of bed at home

They make recliners that move up and forward to help people stand up or reverse to sit down. The PT who worked with my dad had him scoot his feet under him, lean forward a bit, and push off the arms of the chair (or seat if no arms) to stand up. Seemed to work really well, but he doesn’t always remember to do that.

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Countrymouse Jan 2019
Gosh I love occupational therapists JenHen! Problem solvers par excellence.

Mejjy, does your grandmother's recliner not also have a "riser" feature? Have a look at the control panel on it, and see if there isn't a button that will boost her up.

For the bed, I'd have thought a really well fixed grab rail or post would be the answer - you can see dozens of types online.
anonymous872545 Jan 2019
Yes! Cheers to the O.T.s!!
And P.S. the medical experts at the hospital, after the fall, lowered Mum's walker. This has helped her get up too.
(But I'm still amazed at "Nose over toes." Voila!)
97yroldmom Jan 2019
Try to get your grand therapy. Call her doctor and ask for a prescription for in home therapy. They will assess her and advise you and her what she needs to strengthen her muscles to help her with her mobility. They will also advise about devices. Some are dangerous like using the walker incorrectly. You will be amazed at how much better she can get.
mejjy11 Jan 2019
She had PT last year and it was the worst thing for her. She did really well and is stronger and more capable than she thinks she is, but she HATED it. I'm inclined to think it's because she is a lazy person (everyone in the family has said this for 30+ years) and just doesn't want to be bothered to do anything.

Since PT, she will not get up unless she has to poop. She will not get up to pee, she will not get out of her recliner to go to bed, and 90% of the time she will not get out of bed in the morning. I have to make her do these things. I don't understand it. She was fine before PT and then they said to stop because she actually started declining for no obvious reasons.
Onlychild22 Jan 2019
Not exactly what you are asking for, but on another AgingCare post about getting up from the toilet, someone mentioned a tension rod grab bar that could be used beside a bed or recliner. I had never seen this product before and thought it was a great suggestion. Maybe something like that could work. It might not be the prettiest thing to temporarily add to a living room, but it's safer than the walker...
https://www.agingcare.com/products/tension-mounted-transfer-pole-grab-bar-445149.htm

againx100 Jan 2019
I got a bed rail for my mom from Amazon. It goes under the mattress and gives her something to pull on to get herself up. Works great!

Because, as you noted, using the walker for this purpose is not a good plan.

anonymous872545 Jan 2019
Just had a visit from the Occupational Therapist, helping mother a day after a fall.
To get up from a sitting position, lean forward, "Nose over your toes" and push up.
"Pulling" was not working.
A Christmas miracle.
I have been scratching my head, watching my mother struggle to get up.. and she did this, and has now been remembering to do it for three days.
Magic.
Good luck!

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