How can I lift my husband without breaking my back?

RCW6532 had the right idea. Our Ambulance and Fire Departments have what is called "Lift and Assist." If someone falls and can't get up they will come to the house and pick them up and put them where they need to be. They will also check them for any injuries before they pick them up. I had to call them on a few occasions when my husband fell and they were wonderful.

I had to call the Fire Brigade to lift my darling back onto the bed two nights ago after she slid onto the floor trying to get into her wheelchair herself. They could not have been kinder.

Bessie's advice is good if it works! If it doesn't, then is won't make things worse.

I am unable to lift my darling, even with a gait belt, but the firemen did it just fine.
I do have to bear her weight for her to go from the bed to the chair, but we are considering having her use the transfer slide boar again. With plenty of talc on it to stop skin friction, it makes it easier for both of us.

Life is a puzzle. The wise and the desperate figure it out.

Good luck, folks.

:)

Ronnie- if your wife has upper body strength could she possibly use that (with the proper assistive products) to reduce the strain on you? Whatever you need to do, please do it. Caregiver health is critical- I see this all the time- if the caregiver gets hurt it could be "game over" for everyone. Best wishes to you and your sweetheart!

FBG - Thank you for your excellent advice.

She has very little upper body strength, more's the pity. The strength of her remaining leg is, alas, also extremely weak and her knee is shot.

I do what I can to be safe and to keep Gay [my wife] safe. She is a precious angel. She is 78 and I will be 80 in January. Fortunately, I do enjoy fairly robust health, apart from psoriatic and osteoarthritis. I have a chunky [pyknic body type] build and was very strong when younger. I think that helps me. You are quite right, and we both are aware of the danger of my being injured and rendered unable to help her. That must, as you say, not happen.

I have promised her that she will not dies among strangers but I will look after her at home until the end. We have been married almost 16 years. Her late husband was a beast to her [and to others], but she put up with his vicious ways for the sake of their children.

Thank you for your excellent advice. :)

RonnieBray, Your wife's doctor can write a prescription for a hoyer lift. Medicare will pay for it. We got one in my house for my mom who is 92 and cannot walk at all, its a life saver. You might be able to get help a couple of times a week also. Check it out ok, good luck!