Progressive ataxia

Posted by minnesota @minnesota, Jan 19, 2018

Anyone have suggestions for helping patient out of bed?

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Hello @minnesota Nice to e-meet you here. I am Scott and I was my wife's primary caregiver for 14+ years during her war with brain cancer. In her case we used several different techniques based on her condition and which bed she was in at the time. For most of her years she was in a standard bed, but then for the last year and a half was in a hospital bed.

At times I used a Posey belt, other times I used a folded single sheet, and then at times just a bear hug style lift to a wheel chair.

What is the situation you are in with your patient? I guess that is the best place to start.

I send strength, courage, and peace!

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Thanks, we have an electric bed, the strap you mention. Problem his left side is very weak and I weigh 125!

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@minnesota

Thanks, we have an electric bed, the strap you mention. Problem his left side is very weak and I weigh 125!

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Hi again @minnesota That does add a challenging dimension to the situation.

Have you considered a Hoyer lift? We had one in our home in case I wasn't around to help move my wife.

We also did use a slippery sheet of plastic we could slide under my wife's bottom to help her shift from one position on the bed to facing me for easier transferring.

Hopefully others here will have also had to figure out ways to help in these instances.
Strength, courage, and peace!

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My daughter suggested we raise the head of the bed up so it was easier for him to grab the short bed rail at the head of the bed. Then with the help of the belt I was able to turn him so he could swing his legs over the side of the bed so he could sit on the edge of the bed.

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@rmftucker

My daughter suggested we raise the head of the bed up so it was easier for him to grab the short bed rail at the head of the bed. Then with the help of the belt I was able to turn him so he could swing his legs over the side of the bed so he could sit on the edge of the bed.

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Thank you, appreciate your response

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@rmftucker

My daughter suggested we raise the head of the bed up so it was easier for him to grab the short bed rail at the head of the bed. Then with the help of the belt I was able to turn him so he could swing his legs over the side of the bed so he could sit on the edge of the bed.

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Appreciate the help, will try

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