Advice on getting in/out of bed safely

[calypso45]

I need advice how to get in/out bed. We have an adjustable bed with bed rails. I transfer from mobility scooter, making a 90 degree turn with assistance from husband into bed. We have had bumps and bruises and near miss falls. We need a new solution. I still have some strength in my arms and legs and poor balance.

I need some ideas such as a home evaluation or equipment needs. Thank you

 

[Nikki J]

Is the scooter in the way of a safe transfer? Could you do it from a chair / wheelchair? If not it may be time for a patient lift like a hoyer. It might help to get pt or ot to assess things

 

[calypso45]

The scooter seat turns and locks 360 degrees. So tell me more about pt to ot? Is a hoyer lift able to be used by one person? Is just me and husband. Thanks

 

[Nikki J]

Yes a hoyer type can be operated by one person even though the paid aides and pt and pt say two. They are covering themselves. Even a fairly weak and small person can use one. Do recommend paying to get an electric one though.
Pt and ot physical and occupational therapists

 

[calypso45]

Thanks for explanation. Do you know if pt or ot does a home evaluation?

 

[Nikki J]

My sister had both through vna. You could also check with your clinic and possibly your alsa or other patient support service group. It is the pt and ots job to help problem solve, recommend the necessary tools and teach you and your CALS

 

[lgelb]

Yes, your neuro or even a PCP can write a home health order for a PT or OT to evaluate your home setting for assisted transfers. The agency will need to be in-network with your plan.

Your current bed may not work with a Hoyer (has to come up in height enough to have room for lift underneath). If not, you will need a hospital bed.

 

[Doing My Best]

I use a Hoyer solo for my husband, and it was a big relief when we started using it because transferring had become exhausting and felt risky. Our local ALS Association has loaned us one long-term. You might check whether your local ALSA has one in its loaner closet. We were given a hydraulic one originally, which was ok, but when they were able to give us an electric one that made it easier.

 

[lisa g]

Hello Calypso45, I see that you live in the same town as me. Do you go to a clinic? If so your physical therapist can write an order for home pt or ot. We also have a representative for our area that holds our virtual support group meetings. She would be able to point you in the right direction and even help with the loaner closet for our area. If you want to pm me I could give you her contact information.

 

[Greeneyes]

I agree. I think a physical therapist or occupational therapist can be a great resource for a home evaluation. You can get an order from your Dr for a home evaluation so the therapist can see you in your own environment and make suggestions for safe transfers.

 

[calypso45]

Thank you, I have pm to Lisa.

 

[Becky W]

When it became unsafe to stand and pivot, we went to a Beasy transfer board. My husband uses the Beasy board to assist me with all transfers to and from bed and for bathroom and shower transfers. Once trunk control becomes an issue, we will move to using the lift.

 

[Tokyo Tengu]

I'm still mostly mobile, but getting in and out of bed has become scary. There are two problems. First, sitting up. Sometimes I can, sometimes I can't and need help. It's usually hardest first thing in the morning, or if I have to get up at night to pee. I have a bed railing installed, and I have a rolling trick I can do with my legs hanging off the bed, but both are scary because my butt is right at the edge of the bed, and if I fall, I can't get back up. The second problem is standing after I get to a sitting position. Normally, I can do it, but my bed height is right on the edge between easy and difficult. Again, usually in the early morning, I can't get my legs to take the weight. After I've been up and moved around a bit, both problems become easier to handle. I was just diagnosed in Feb and I believe that I am progressing slowly, so I need advice on both of these issues before something dangerous occurs.

 

[Nikki J]

It sounds like a hospital bed would solve most of this. You could raise the head to sit up and adjust the height to the perfect height. You could also use a walker or rollator until you get your “ sea legs”. Falls are dangerous and to be avoided.

You could possibly get a regular adjustable bed if you can find the right height but know it would be a temporary fix. As an ultra slow progressing leg onset person I had an issue with standing from my super low bed and got a new one the right height but I did not have the sitting up issue

 

[lisa g]

I make sure when I'm getting out of bed that my husband is standing by and that he has my rollator so that I don't have any falls.