Mary Helen Barr
Active member
- Joined
- Mar 6, 2006
- Messages
- 61
Does anyone else find that people, (both in the medical profession and not) do NOT understand about ALS!?!? My father spends almost all day and night in his recliner, except when we put him in his wheelchair to take him out to the table to be fed, and also when we put him in the bathroom. The agency that helps out during the week wants to "drop" him, and one reason in that he doesn't use a bed. What difference does that make? We HAVE a hospital bed, and he can't get comfortabe in it. Also, he has more control in the recliner. He can at least raise and lower it. In the hospital bed, the feet won't "lower" so if you want to sit up, your feet are sticking straight out in front of you--NOT comfortable at all. For my father, the bed in definitely not the answer, but most people just don't understand this. It is soooo frustrating. I take care of him every morning by myself, and other than taking time away from other things, I can manage. I just can't find anyone else who is willing to help. The nursing agencies think it wouldn't be possible to have a "patient like that" stay at home. Obviously, they have very little experience with ALS. If I, a non medical professional, can do it, then what is the big deal for them? Anyway, I was just wondering if any of you PALS live day and night in your lift recliner, or is this crazy? Thank you.