I suggest you call the non-emergency number and ask. Mom had to call at least once a month to get help for my Dad. They lived in a small central Ohio town and were not charged for the assistance. Of course, a true fire emergency took precedence.
I called the non emergency ambulance number and asked for assistance to pick up my 245 lb ex husband when he fell after a knee replacement. My aunt did the same thing when my 88 year old uncle couldn’t get off the toilet. Help came when they weren’t responding to an emergency. In both instances there were no charges and no one was taking time away from the police and fire department.
All fire departments "can" do lift assistance but not all will do it for free. It can get very expensive if you call 911 all the time to help somebody get up from a fall. If somebody is at risk of frequent falls, something needs to change in their home environment: assistive devices, home health aides, or moving into an senior apartment/assisted living facility.
I thought I responded, maybe not, but just to add that my aunt and uncle lived at the time in Oak Park MI and he had peripheral neuropathy. Sometimes he would slide down onto the floor and not be able to get up; my aunt was petite and not strong enough. They got to know the guys and sometimes since there was never an injury, they would just send a police officer on patrol to give a hand. To protect and serve...right?
You need to think realistically about using a public service as a lift assistant "go to". Fire departments are stretched to the limit on personel and they are responsible for serious emergencies. If you contact your local department they can let you know about their policy and costs that may be involved. You can also search in your area for people who may have a lift they will be happy to donate (after a person passes, their family is left with medical assistance items they would like to get rid of)
I am with Willie. Where I live its volunteers not paid fireman. These people have to leave their homes, get to the firehouse and then to the falling persons house. I have read on the forum that after a certain amount of calls, some departments recommend that the person go to an AL or other facility where there is staff to help.
For the OPs peace of mind. The Sacramento metropolitan fire dept will respond, not a volunteer brigade and the lift assist is free, our taxes pay for it in this state.
Many will do a Lift Assist for no charge UNLESS there is a transport tot he hospital. I have also read on this site and talked to some people that they have been charged for a Lift Assist. Just to make sure I would call your local Fire Department (or whatever department sends out EMS) and ask what the protocol is for a Lift Assist.
Hi, as a private caregiver, I agree with you on they should call and find out every detail of making that run. I had a bedridden client - male - when he wanted attention above and beyond what I was hired to do, - a certain snack he couldn't have, for example - he would roll himself to the floor. I had strick instructions to not help him up, to call the fire department for Lift Assist. After the fourth time in less than 12 hours, he was told they would not be be back today. He was also told by me that I would not be back - not even for the 22.50 per hour he was paying me. I pulled a 85 hour shift straight with him, and I'd had enough. Pay was great, cash deal, but it was time to go.
Just an FYI - There have been people who come to the forum that have had to pay big $$ for lift assistance so although it might be free in the OP's circumstance it's isn't available everywhere, people would be well advised to check with their local departments.
In MN they came out for my stepFIL with Parkinsons several times. He was 6'5". IMHO I don't think this should be a "strategy" for people in the long term. As with my stepFIL, if you are falling often, it's time to make a better plan.
You’re in California so yes, it’s something all fire department here provide. If you need help lifting someone who has fallen, the love fire department will absolutely come out for a lift assist.
However, keep in mind that in many rural communities the fire dept. is volunteers. If falling is a frequent problem, you should make a better plan in fairness to them.
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Jax.Fl.
I have also read on this site and talked to some people that they have been charged for a Lift Assist.
Just to make sure I would call your local Fire Department (or whatever department sends out EMS) and ask what the protocol is for a Lift Assist.
There have been people who come to the forum that have had to pay big $$ for lift assistance so although it might be free in the OP's circumstance it's isn't available everywhere, people would be well advised to check with their local departments.