How can I become a strong caregiver?

I would also practice putting the wheelchair in your car trunk and then taking it out again. Do this as you would weight lifting. Start out doing it 5 times in a row: Put the wheelchair in the car, take the wheelchair out of the car, etc. Then slowly increase the amount of times you load and unload the wheelchair.

Wow! That's great. I don't have any tips, but hope you get some. That's a big, unselfish undertaking. Good luck.

well i am pleased to hear you are taking your dad on this tried i am a licensed caregiver i wpuld tell you lift 10lb weights with arms 3xs a day and do leg bends to strenthen your upper thighs remember when lifting bend KNEES or you will get hurt

Wow, a 50 pound chair is pretty heavy! Do you have a companion chair? It has smaller wheels than a regular wheelchair, which means it can't be pushed by the person in the chair, but is easy to push for the caregiver and weighs between 21-31 pounds. They're easy to fold up and cost a little over $100. That's what I have for my mom and also used with my dad (for the past 12 years). I'm 63 and have no problems getting it in and out of the car pushing her around. My dad was more in your dad's weight range and after pushing him around for a while, I could feel it in my back. So in addition to the arm exercises, you need to strengthen your upper and lower back. If you go to a gym, try lat pulldowns and rows for your back, along with the back machine. If you don't go to the gym, google home exercises for upper and lower back and try some of those. I'd also be sure I had some Advil or Motrin with me and take it proactively the first couple of days. I hope you have a great trip. I have taken both of my folks on some outings that have been so gratifying for both of us. Let us know how it goes!

Yes, while putting it in and out of the trunk, I'd also recommend opening it at the same time...for proficiency. I always struggle opening it and then figuring out how to work the mechanism. So, while you're gaining muscles and secondary habit of putting in and out of the trunk, you're also making it normal to open it up and adjust it accordingly.

I am also 49 , and help my dad .
My brothers are no where to be seen .your father will never forget the kindness of your heart , and neither will you

Amyinwisconsin..God Bless you. I agree with Captainchrissie...he will never forget the kindness of your heart....As well, my brother never appreciated.

I also struggled with getting the wheel chair in and out of the car as well....something others (remote family members) don't see nor recognize as any value. But you know, you will strengthen your muscles and attitude in doing this. It will give you greater inner strength, emotionally and physically...and, you will figure it all out, as best you can. You will get the system down to a science...but may I suggest you get a lighter weight wheelchair. You'll find them.

Keep up the great work and attitude.

I'm sure you're fit and mentally tough, so the only thing I can suggest is to work on your stamina. Get on the treadmill about 45 min./day to lessen the impact of actual running. As for lifting a 50 lb. wheelchair, ask the group for help. Don't expect them to volunteer with wheeling Dad around. At 53, I often look like a fit Spring chicken, but don't recover as easily. At 49 no doubt you look amazing, but if your endurance is poor it's not going to matter much how many pounds you can lift.

No matter how strong you are, if you push yourself past your limits your body will break down. Please be sure to get plenty of rest, eat well and carefully, and accept help when it is offered. If you need help and no one offers, then ask for it!

I take the leg supports off the chair before I load it, then it's easier to balance, not so lopsided and a bit lighter.