My mom is immobile in the mornings, and it's been a massive struggle getting her from the bed to her wheelchair. I think a Hoyer lift might be too big, wondering if there's anything else I could use. Thanks!
Depending on her strength and willingness you might be able to use a standing lift. This is a lift where a harness is put around the upper body/under the arms, the feet go on the lift platform and the patient holds onto the grips of the lift (go to YouTube and search for Standing Lift). I rented one when my mom left rehab in April and I was so excited that we finally had a solution to moving her. My excitement was short-lived. She has extremely thin skin (30 years of cortisone), virtually no strength in her arms to hold on, and bending her knees hurt. We used it twice and after first screaming in pain to move her from the chair to the bed she proceeded to tell us we using it wrong. I sweetly explained we weren't and it sat in the corner gathering dust until the rental company picked it up.
If your mom can be lifted under her arms (by a nurse, PT, strapping grandson, etc) and doesn't scream in pain, if she can bend her knees without screaming in pain, and can hold on for maybe 30 seconds, it might work for you. Review the videos on YouTube and see if you think its something your mom can tolerate.
I used a sliding transfer board for many year for my husband. Much of this success depends upon your strength and your mom's. We have recently had to go to a hoyer lift which is a God send for us both. The legs seem to be an issue that need special attention for a wheelchair bound person. Have you considered a physical therapist to help instruct with stretching exercises? This was helpful for my husband.
God bless you for your caring concern...but do not forget to care for yourself. (Good advise from a family caregiver.)
Thanks! She currently has a physical therapist coming a couple days a week, but it's basically sitting exercises and not stretching. I'll mention that. Her legs are definitely an issue, they just buckle under her. I'll have to look into the hoyer lift. Thanks for the kind words about caring for myself. I try to get a little respite every week, care giving just seems to get more and more intense.
I use a Hoyer for my husband. This is a portable lift and we can fold it up to fit in the car trunk. He is quite large and it is difficult for me to pump up the lift. If I had it to do over again,I would see if I could pay the extra and get an electric one. He has anxiety issues and unfortunately, a lot of our attempts to lift him don’t end well. His legs are weak and I cannot lift and slide him across the board so that doesn’t work for us. We had a Sit to Stand too and I’m thinking of asking for one when he comes home from rehab this time I think it was easier to use than the Hoyer.
If your mom can be lifted under her arms (by a nurse, PT, strapping grandson, etc) and doesn't scream in pain, if she can bend her knees without screaming in pain, and can hold on for maybe 30 seconds, it might work for you. Review the videos on YouTube and see if you think its something your mom can tolerate.
God bless you for your caring concern...but do not forget to care for yourself. (Good advise from a family caregiver.)