How can I lift my husband without breaking my back?

Dave, I had watched several YouTube videos on how to get a person off the floor. My dad, when he was still walking, was dead weight. His legs couldn't even hold him up. After watching the videos, I decided that it's not possible for me to do that. I'm under 5 feet, and at the time, only weighed about 90-94 lbs. My dad was double my weight. But, I will say it was very helpful to see those videos.

I've read over and over on this site about caregivers using the Hoyer Lift. I googled: Using a Hoyer Lift. And there are lots of YouTube videos showing how to use it - from the bed to the wheelchair, etc... Warning though, from what I saw on the first video, the repetitive of you cranking that lift would cause you shoulder damage. I used to pull my mom up from sliding down the bed. Doing this 3 times a day for years, I now have pain on my knees (from leaning against the headboard to help me to pull her), my back (from bending low and then pulling her back to me) and my shoulders/neck (used those muscles to help me pull her up.) So, when I was watching the video below, I immediately recognize the repetitive movements. I figured to give you a heads up so you know this before it's too late.

youtube/watch?v=DinUBHOBlWU

There are special lifts that can be rented to move a patient from the bed to a chair, etc, They look like a sling and you crank the handle to get the sling to lift up and then it swivels to the spot you would like the person to be placed in. I used one of these for my husband who was in a wheel chair many years ago. I cannot remember which group, either the Lion's club or the American Cancer society, but both of these groups lent me hospital items to use in then home. I hope this helps.

There is no doubt that what you are trying to do is one of the basic keys to all nurses at the bedside. Safety for both is critical and maybe more practical, for sure, if another assistant were available. But if they were you probably wouldn't be asking the question here. You have definitely got the basics right. Most nurses like the use of gait belts around the waist, on a lift I never used them; only during ambulation would I consider them. Planning your lift is critical. Making sure the subject is ready and understands what is about to happen. The higher the sitting position the better. Encouraging them to use the strength in their legs is very important but often not overly effective as many simply lack the strength, but every bit helps. You can save your back by bending your legs as much as possible. Your back can still be straight even if you are at a 45 degree angle. The position of your feet, as you say seems right to me. Make sure the surface of the floor is secure and doesn't have something in the way. Fluids, dirt or anything that can cause you to slip. If you have a wheelchair as a destination point try not to have it more than one turn away. Meaning if the chair is in back of you, your feet will cross themselves and create instability. Lock the chair. I like to support the pt from under the arms and as much around the back as possible, although most pt. are too large for me to have my hands clasped behind me. Either way, keeping the center of gravity close to me gives me more control and requires less effort upon that initial lift. The initial lift should be a combination of rocking backward and a leg push at the same time. The strength in the lift needs to come from the legs, this takes practice as our natural sense is to use our backs. In order for this to be most effective the height of your head should equal that of the pt. Always announce the lift to the pt so they are ready. Keep a phone close by for back up.

Quick fix for getting him up out of a chair is to buy a chair that lifts him up electronically. My mother has a recliner that puts her into a standing position. Wheelchair is locked and ready for her to transfer to it.