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Nweaster Asked September 24, 2025

Brother keeps falling, no injuries. ALF not equipped to handle.

Brother has mental and physical issues and has had repeated falls while trying to transfer himself from wheel chair to bed and vice versa. He has had no injuries, and I don’t anticipate any, but he is close to 300 lbs and the ALF staff is often not able to get him off the floor. EMS has a limit on the # of times they will assist within a specific time period. What to do?

JoAnn29 Sep 25, 2025
Does his wheelchair have a side that raises up so he just glides from one to the other. There are transfer boards that can be used. I so hope an aide is with him to make sure the wheels are locked.

This man is more care than an AL can give him. He is a 2 person transfer at least. These aides should not be hurting themselves in trying to help him. He needs Longterm care. Find him a nice place and spend his money down, when almost gone, apply for Medicaid.

Grandma1954 Sep 25, 2025
It sounds like ALF is not able to safely manage his care.
You may have to look at other facilities that have the ability to do so.
Long Term Care or Skilled Nursing might be options.

No one "anticipates" injuries but falls with injuries happen.
Would his ability to transfer improve if he participated in Physical and occupational Therapy?
Increased PT might help his ability to transfer also possibly aid in weight loss as well as added strength and that would also make transferring easier for him.

Does he have to capacity to know that he can not transfer himself and he has to call for assistance to transfer? That might solve the risk of a fall.
And I should ask...is he a 1 or 2 person transfer when he does get help?

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JakRenden2 Sep 25, 2025
First, have you looked into getting a Hoyer lift? That could make a difference for the staff and for your brother in transferring him safely without having to rely on multiple people.
Second, it might be worth talking to a social worker or a patient advocate. They often have a great resource for navigating these kinds of situations and can help you figure out what other options might be available, since the ALF isn't able to meet his needs
Geaton777 Sep 25, 2025
Do they do Hoyer lifts in ALF? I thought this was only for LTC? I'm only asking because I don't know myself...
Geaton777 Sep 24, 2025
Has he ever been assessed for LTC?

KNance72 Sep 24, 2025
Maybe he needs to see a neurologist for a cat scan to see why he is falling ? Or needs Physical therapy .
JoAnn29 Sep 25, 2025
He is falling trying to transfer which would be hard for a 300# man.

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