Hoyer Lift

[donarden]

Looks like my husband is going to need a Hoyer lift immediately. From being able to walk up and down the hall with his walker and minimal assistance a week or two ago, I can't even get him up out of his recliner or bed now without help. Have had to call neighbors and friends 6 times over the past 4 days when I couldn't move him.

Talked about moving him to a nursing home, but our insurance case manager just told me that they won't pay for custodial care. She suggested Hospice, so guess that's next.

Pros and cons about Hoyer lifts would be appreciated.

Took Wayne to an ALS specialist in Boise Friday. He wanted Wayne to start taking several antioxidants. Got some Vit C, which unfortunately had cellulose in the tables. Plugged up his feeding tube and plugged him up, too. He is bloated and has thrown up formula twice. Haven't given him a feeding since 8:15 this morning. It's now 3 pm.

This disease is going way too fast!

Donna in Idaho

 

[joelc]

A Hoyer lift is the way to go. It is portable so you can use it anywhere, like in the living room to get him out of his chair or in the bathroom to get him off the toilet or in the bedroom to get him out of bed.

Why were you considering a nursing home? Can't you look after him at home?
Hospice is usually considered an end-of-life decision. Are you not considering a Feeding Tube or a trache and vent?
These type of decisions will impact what you will do as far as care goes.

 

[vw-fl]

Hi Donna. Although we haven't had to use ours much (only for a couple of falls to get up off the floor) I would highly recommend that you get one with the electric/battery function as opposed to the "hand crank" model. I'm not sure if Medicare will pay for the electric one but a good DME can advise you as to how to get the electric one covered by insurance. I would also recommend that the sling has a head & neck support (even if you don't need that feature yet). We have two slings - one for the shower and one for around the house. The Hoyer we have folds flat so that I can store it in a closet or under the bed when not in use. The only negative thing I have found is that pushing across carpet takes a little more effort.

Vicki

Husband DX 11/1997

 

[donarden]

A Hoyer lift is the way to go. It is portable so you can use it anywhere, like in the living room to get him out of his chair or in the bathroom to get him off the toilet or in the bedroom to get him out of bed.

Why were you considering a nursing home? Can't you look after him at home?
Hospice is usually considered an end-of-life decision. Are you not considering a Feeding Tube or a trache and vent?
These type of decisions will impact what you will do as far as care goes.

I can't move him at all. I didn't know about the Hoyer lift until I talked to our insurance nurse case manager. After she told me about that, I decided to keep him at home.

He already has a PEG. He says he doesn't want a trach and vent. He has always been such an active person - now he can do absolutely nothing and doesn't want to live just sitting in a chair. The ALS specialist told me that he is nearing the end. He's 75. His decline has been so rapid the past month or so that I just want to keep him as comfortable as possible for the time he has left. He hasn't been able to talk for a few months now.

Donna

 

[joelc]

I am sorry to hear that. With all the equipment and technology available today it is quite easy to keep living. With a powerchair and a trache and vent I am more mobile and do more things than a few years ago. I hope you can keep him comfortable.