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Hi. I am wondering about a lift for my dad so we can get him up off the floor. We are taking measures to keep him from ending up on the floor in the first place, but I'd like an option for if he does end up there again. He can walk and stand OK but cannot get up off the floor. This lift at Amazon looks like it may work. Any advice? Thanks.



https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZWP3FG3/ref=sspa_dk_detail_4

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I just went to the amazon link. Pretty pricey device and assumes the senior has enough strength and agility to scooch themselves onto the seat, otherwise the caregiver will be bending over helping them do this (recipe for a back injury). Depending on the age and health of your LO, a fall can now produce a serious injury that may not show up right away, like some fractures.

Honestly, if your LO is falling regularly enough now to warrant a $300+ "pick-up" device then it is only a matter of time until there will be a hip break or a head injury. At that point the device will be moot and you'll be stuck with it.

If you're worried about them going to the ER if you call 911 for help, your LO can create a DNH document (Do Not Hospitalize).

Have you thought about physical therapy for this person to strengthen their legs? Are you sure they don't have some other issue, like Parkinsons or balance problems?
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AlvaDeer Jan 5, 2024
I second this advice for certain.
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You call 911 and ask for a "LIFT ASSIST"
In most areas the call and response will cost you nothing.
If they transport to the hospital that is where the $$$ comes in.
Paramedics will ask someone to sign a waiver indicating that you have declined transport.
BUT what calling 911 will do in addition to getting dad up off the floor is the paramedics will know there is a vulnerable person living at that address. They will know dad and whoever is caring for him. Dad will know them and not be overly frightened when they show up again.
AND..They are trained to help someone up. They are trained to that they will not hurt dad or themselves.
What I used to do was while I was on the phone talking to the dispatcher I would lock up the dogs, put a note on the front door "door open walk in" and then I would go back and sit with my Husband. The paramedics would walk in I would call out and they would go to the room where we were. Did this 9 times was never charged, the guys were awesome usually in and out of the house in 5 minutes.
I probably would never have been able to use a "device" as my Husband would not have been able to comprehend instructions.
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BurntCaregiver Dec 30, 2023
@Grandma

You're spot on about 911. It doesn't cost anything if there's no transport to the hospital.

I've had to call many, many times for clients who fell in their homes.
Just as many times was I met with being begged not to by clients and families and pleas of could I just "try" to get them up.

Nope. I will not try because I know better. Always call EMS. Never take a chance. You could get injured yourself trying to humor the person who has fallen or their family because they're embarrassed or don't want to be on the radar of EMS. You'd be surprised how many people believe that calling the paramedics to help will mean they get sent to a nursing home.
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Never try to get someone up off the floor yourself. This can cause serious injury to them and you.

If someone is on the floor, call 911. Let the paramedics handle it the correct and safe way.
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Wish I had had this advice a few months ago. When my wife fell a couple of times, I did call 911, because I just could not pick her up by myself. The EMS team responded quickly and took care of the problem. Had them come two times, a different team each time, both teams very efficient and friendly. However, the next time my wife fell, I felt that I was imposinIn picking up my wife. So, I did struggle to get her up myself, as I did the next two times. There was never an injury, just a little bruising. Now, after reading these great answers from so many people, I see that it is apparently a normal part of EMS service - AND...I really did not have to get this damn hernia after all.
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Southernwaver Dec 30, 2023
So there was an injury?
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If dad is in such bad condition that he can't get up off the floor, he may be unable to get into this device. Or be unable in the near future. A lot depends on his condition and prognosis. Like, why's he falling in the first place? Are his limbs floppy sometimes? Does he have issues such as a sore hip that would keep him from rolling on it?

Also, you could hurt yourself trying to help him.

The best advice is to call EMTs and have them get him up when he falls. They are professionals.
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I cannot see how calling the EMT’s for help can possibly endanger an elder. We called many times for help lifting my dad safely after a fall. He was always treated kindly and competently by the paramedics who promptly arrived, safely lifted and assessed for injury, and talked nicely to him. It was always a positive experience. We didn’t risk injury to dad or ourselves and got the reassurance of someone medically trained looking him over. Hurt by them? No way
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I agree with everyone here who said 911 lift assist! I cared for my mom at her house and I wound up lifting her myself off the floor about 5 times in 3 months. I think now that she's been in memory care for a little over 2 months, that my body hurts all the time, every joint, and that is why. And I'm a nurse and I know the proper ways, etc., but I shouldn't have done it alone, even though she is a relatively small person. Call for help, and get things checked out. You may have to change your situation.
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The "lift" you're after is called 911. Either the EMT's or firefighters(depends where you live)will come out and pick up your dad for free as long as he isn't hurt and need to be transported to the hospital.
No lift on Amazon is worth hurting oneself over or your dad.
Perhaps a visit to his doctor is in order to find out exactly why he is falling in the first place.

My late husband who'd had a massive stroke at 48, ended up developing vascular dementia in his late 60's and became a fall risk. There was a 2 month period when I had to call 911 9 times to have them come get him up off the floor and into bed.
And each time they came they were very kind and professional, and there was no charge.
Please don't risk hurting yourself or anyone else.
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Disi
See if you can arrange home physical therapy for your dad. Ask the therapist for ideas on how to assist dad safest should he fall.
You could show the devices to therapist for feedback.
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Lots of advice here but I want to add one important thing, be very careful that he has not had an injury with the fall or something that caused it in the first place. My Dad had suffered a few falls and I had a way of helping him up myself (still amazes me that I was able), but then one of the times I noticed he wasn't gripping my hand fully on one side and sure enough, he had fallen because he had a stroke. I knew it instantly and asked him to smile - one of the tests to check for stoke is when they smile, one side of their mouth doesn't go up. I stopped trying to get him up and called 91@. The EMTs were there in a flash and it saved him. They were able to get meds going right away in the ambulance. Everything happened so quickly, my Dad started getting worse by time he was in the ER but because of the quick action of my calling for help and them arriving so fast, it truly saved him from having more complications. I was so thankful I knew what to look for and was home when it happened. As I said, he had fallen before and as far as I knew, he was ok. Until that time. I wish you and your Dad the best.
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MaryKathleen Jan 5, 2024
This was my thoughts, Perhaps the loved one was already going down hill and that is why the falls.
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