I'm having problems getting him out of bed first thing in the morning. Any ideas for lifting?

You could try using a 'slide sheet' which you can push under him - usually these things are brightly coloured made of nylon. They're used to help turn patients in bed when they can't turn themselves and I use one of these with my own mum. If you push the slide sheet under him when you want to get him up and use the same technique that has strained your shoulder you should be able to guide him to slide to the edge of the bed and that will mean that you're not stretching yourself. This movement of reaching the end of the bed should provide enough momentum for him to sit up with your gentle help.

When I had my abdominal surgery, it was very painful to sit up - using my abdominal muscles. I tried different ways to try to sit up. The best one was by turning on my side, and then dangle my legs off the side of the bed (to help me push up) and at the same time to use my opposite hand to push myself up the bed. It helped having a railings, though. But, when I got released from the hospital 3 days later, I found that it still worked on a regular bed. With this in mind, I googled for a YouTube video for your situation.

Google: Tips for helping someone to sit up in bed by UCSF Memory and Aging Center.

If you are eligible for therapy that could be helpful. I had an occupational therapist come out to show me the best way to get my mom in and out of bed, in shower, etc. makes a big difference when then are showing you the best way to do it in your own home. One visit was all we needed.

My husband has limited use of this left side. I found that satin fabric pajamas (or boxer shorts) help me slide him into position since there is less friction with the cotton sheets.

Reverse has her profile in private setting. You can still send her a message thru the HUG. Look below her name. Click on the "Give a hug" and then type away.

surprise the problem has resolved it self, though he is doing this a bit early.He had a triple by pass and had restrictions on how he uses his arms. The chest is opened and after the operation it is closed with various stuff. Remember the muscles of the chest are cut to do the opening and need time to heal.

That would be wonderful!! My mom thought my sons were my dad! When my mom was on hospuce at the end, the nurse cut up the nightgown but kept the neckline in tack. I really didn't like that, thought my mom was too cold. I would just buy large soft fleece like pj shirts and use those. As long as the draw sheet was flat under her and her Pj shirt was smooth, I was happy. At 4am on the day my mom died i put pretty pjs on her, perfume and some makeup. Family thought I was crazy but I know my mom would have wanted to look pretty for her journey! The hospice nurse commented on how good her coloring was after she passed. When I told her she had makeup on, we all had a good laugh.

Thank you bookluvr you are a fountain of information which is much appreciated. Should have just contacted you first and saved myself a lot of time!

Hi Reverseroles- the wash we use is Aveeno which comes in a lavender scent and another one with a green cap. Both very gentle and mild, and what I use since we have allergies and eczema that flares up if strong drying soaps are used. Aveeno cream afterward, all over. I find most of those other products too harsh, no matter what they say on the label.

Reverse, this is how the govt caregivers sponge bath dad (and mom when she was alive.) They get a large tub of warm water. With the washcloth, they pour the body wash into it and then scrub down dad. When done, they get a small bowl to scoop up the water and pour it over dad, washing off the body soap. They do it one side at a time. By the time, they're done, the bed is soaking wet. (I've always made it a point to use 2 waterproof zippered protective plastic on their hospital bed mattresses. When they went to the hospital, I changed the first layer if it's tearing) If they don't do a proper rinse, mom/dad would break out with rashes. One cg was sloppy. I just couldn't get rid of the rashes for almost a week. In frustration, I told dad to Tell the cg to wash off the soap good. Because she's not washing it off properly, he's breaking out in rashes. He finally told her. And the rashes started to disappear. Their employer have instructed them not to put lotion, cream or medicine on them. Most of them disregard this - and still put Desitin or A&D ointment.