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My mom sits in a recliner that raises up to standing. What would be the best tool to move her from the chair to the wheelchair?

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If expense is a problem and she is semi sturdy on her feet you can have the chair stand her up then slide the wheelchair in behind her. If she is not sturdy on her feet, bring the wheelchair as close as possible and use the chair to get her in the upright position and have her put her weight on you and ease her into the chair. If that is too much, you can try a pool noodle if you can get a big one, (2 if you can only find the thin ones) inside a folded long ways bed sheet Using Rubber bands to close off where the noodle and sheet meet and slide behind her for some support as you transfer her from chair to wheelchair.

My grandma was about 80 lbs by the time she really needed us to help her get up so often I would just have her lean forward and put all her weight on me or her walker.

Good Luck.
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I'd get an OT or a PT to demonstrate, and then to watch you doing it yourself and make sure both that she is safe and that your back is safe! If you need mechanical aids, they will advise on that too.
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I'm not sure where one can buy this belt, but it wraps around the waist and you lift from there. Don't try this if you have back problems or the patient is heavy. Have a physical therapist show you correct body mechanics so you don't get hurt. Good luck!
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I have a process I've used successfully for many years.But if she requires being physically lifted and placed into the chair, then by all means do what ferris1 says and have someone demonstrate the correct process in person. You do not say if she is able to support any of her weight herself. There is the coolest pivot tool that sits on the floor. You use body mechanics to reduce the impact to about 45 pounds, no matter how large the patient is.
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How much does she weigh? When I worked in a home I would move the recliner up as far as it would go. Put the wheelchair directly to my right, and have the patient hug me (never did) put my arms under theirs, clasp my hands and lift and rotate to the chair. If that's possible it's pretty easy, if not a lift is your best bet. But in order to do that technique, the wheel chair has to be as close to the chair as possible. So no one gets hurt. If your not physically able, don't do it!
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Countrymouse is right. A PT or OT can be sent out to your house and Medicare should pay for it. Her doctor will have to order it, she will be evaluated and then they will start therapy which will include your training and suggestions for her safety. If she is essentially housebound, they can come to you. Her doctor or the Area Agency on Aging can recommend an agency in your area.
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there are some great web sites that have videos that demonstrate different ways to move someone safely for both the patient and the caregiver. Whatever you have Mom hold onto make sure it locks in place and can handle her weight.
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You can also get a transfer board. Lift up one arm on the wheelchair. Slide one end of the board under the person and put the other end on the seat. Then just slide the person from the chair to the wheelchair.
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p.s. Put the other end on the seat of the wheelchair - of course!
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@privatecare123, the method you use is used by my friend, who is a super good and caring home health physical therapist, when he puts my Mother to bed for me. But he is 6'3" and 225 lbs. and my Mother's weight (about 175 lbs.; she has gained 40 lbs. since being diagnosed with dementia a few years ago) doesn't appear to bother him. From your picture it is quite difficult to know if you may be a taller woman with big bone structure who might be able to lift a patient who weighs the same or more than you. My immediate problem I guess is I don't know what I should expect from my stepfather who is here at my home every day when Mother is put to bed. He's 5, 11" and pretty sleight since he was losing weight as my Mother has gained hers. He says he can't do what you've described (as yourself being able to do) and what my friend does to lift my Mother. Do you think I should insist that he try? (All of this over the last several years is undeniably destroying our (my husband's and mine) physical and mental health and our relationship and any dreams we had for the future. My brother is wonderful, he calls every day though he won't talk problems in depth, (he agrees he's my Mother's favorite) is in Ohio and visits us in Florida twice a year. He likes Florida; my husband and I hate it here. We thought we could get my mother and stepdad settled here and then return to California. It's totally crazy but we sold our ocean view dream home tin L.A. to temporarily relocate to Florida since that was what my Mother wanted so much and could not pull off on their own. That was in 1999 and they've hated it since they got here but without telling us of course! The Mayo Clinic made a horrible mistake with my husband's care that led directly to a hip replacement for which we had no insurance and then a knee replacement and the other hip replacement. We have used up our entire retirement funds because this started when he was in his early 60s, and he's 71 now (though even with medical problems a "young" 71 if you know what I mean, with dreams of returning to the international business world) and will need ankle surgery some day or won't be able to walk. We think we
re going insane most days but still try very hard to do our best for my Mother. Only occasionally do I feel used by her, with the knowledge since she finally told me that all she ever wanted was her husband to take early retirement and be home with her, in N.J. but never all of us move to Florida. Sorry I went into the whole background but it is sort of important). My stepfather has my husband help him. But it is very hard on my husband's back, with which he has continuous trouble, spasms and pain. I help sometimes to relieve my husband of the responsibility but I've got three bad lumbar discs, I've had a spinal fusion in C4, 5 and 6; take prednisone for poly myalgia rheumatica, and I'm always in pain and always called upon to do something: make her breakfast, cook everyone's dinner, do the laundry, change the bedding, change my Mother, We can't really afford a $1500 lift as I have seen some of them costing though I'm pretty certain my stepfather can. He's 10 years younger than my Mother and worries about his money running out before he needs it for his care. This is such a mess and so different than my life was 15 years ago that I have anxiety attacks and think constantly of death, mine and everybody else's. So I guess what I'd like is your opinion based on your last comment, i.e., not to do it if you are not physically able. I think quite possible my stepfather is physically able, but he just won't try it. Yet he doesn't seem to mind gambling on our health. Thank you if God bless you, you read this in its entirety! I'm sorry it's so long but it felt good to get some of that off my chest. This is the only website I have time for. Rather that I take the time for. I always learn something and I always commiserate with someone. But what I find the most amazing and the most valuable are the comments and hints that are given by the professional caregivers. It is one of the most heartwarming parts about this site, and I for one applaud you and everyone like you. Where in life would we all be if people like you did not exist. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Ms. privatecare123 and always stay well! madeline
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