Lift questions

[LaMissGirl]

I posted this in the stroke forum before I realized this forum was here.

My Mom had stroke 12/04, no function on entire left side, has gained a LOT of weight. Am probably going to have to get some sort of lift to aid in transferring to & from bed/wheelchair and also toilet and/or tub, if that's even possible. I know nothing about them. Just starting to explore. Have not even contacted our DME provider to see if they even have this sort of thing. Mom has Medicare & private ins. Does Medicare cover lifts at all? Anybody have experience with lifts & any recommendations or tips?

I have to do something because she is really already too heavy to handle, though I'm doing it anyway, and I'm afraid we are on the verge of hurting myself or injuring her. Mom's ability to stand has deteriorated so much that she can barely stand at all even with assistance & grab bars. I've put off facing this far too long.. it just all seems too much at times! Thanks for any advice anybody might have!

[KLD]

A lift is an excellent suggestion. There are a number of options. Medicare may pay partially for a mobile lift, but usually not if you are looking at a ceiling track lift. Storage space and ability to use for travel may also be considerations.

A ceiling track lift is most expensive, but requires no storage space. We have one for my mother, and we have track in 3 parts of the house, with a portable motor. Easy to use, comfortable slings, but expensive. Look at SureHands, Arjo, Guardian, and Guldmann. They will all come out and give you a custom design and estimate. If the home is an apt. or condo, the systems can be set up free-standing or wall-hung.

For a mobile lift, I strongly recommend a powered vs. manual lift. More money, but you will have less risk of injury. Look at the Liko Light, the Molift Smart, and the Hoyer Advance for compact storage and portability. If you go with a floor lift, I really recommend getting rid of carpet in the areas where you will use it (get linoleum or Pergo). The floor lifts are difficult to push on carpet, and are at risk for tipping.

You can see other companies and options here:

Techology Resource Guide (http://www.visn8.med.va.gov/visn8/patientsafetycenter/safePtHandling/default.asp). It is in Word format though so you may have a problem if you are not using a Windows computer.

[LaMissGirl]

Thanks, KLD, SO MUCH for the info. You have given me a good start. I contacted the supplier from whom we are renting Mom's hospital bed & wheelchair & they are bringing out a hoyer lift tomorrow. It's hydraulic, and was told that's what Medicare will cover. I'm sure it's quite basic, but surely better than no lift at all. Mom ended up on the floor yesterday- my fault entirely- and she was not injured. We both got off balance & down she went- in slow-motion. But it was **** getting her back up, even with my husband helping. Can't do that anymore!

We are lucky to have all concrete (stained) floors throughout our new home, so carpet is no hinderance.

Let me ask another question. I like the idea of a portable (mobile) lift. Is there any of these that you know of that will allow me to put her into the tub? I suspect that would require an overhead track, but just wondering. She LOVES baths & hasn't been down in a bathtub in 2 yrs- we are using a tub bench. I would love to be able to get her into the tub. She would think she's died & gone to heaven!

Thanks again for all your advice!:) :)

[KLD]

No, I don't know of any of the mobile lifts that you could use for a tub unless you have an old fashioned claw-footed tub. They all have to fit under the chair/bed/tub to which you are transferring, usually with at least 4-6" of clearance.

A ceiling track lift is ideal for tubs (including hot tubs) and there are also wall-mounted lifts that are designed for that purpose. There are lifts designed to lower the person into the tub, but you still have to transfer onto them, and they won't work with a regular mobile lift either. Wall mounted lifts are used by some, but can only be used in one location, so can be more expensive in the long run. SureHands (http://208.56.109.158/walltowall_us.html) makes one, and another is is the Molift Swing (http://www.moliftinc.com/The%20Swing.htm). The Multi-Lift (http://www.accessunlimited.com/html/multi-lift-home.html) is another one.

A ceiling track lift can also be attached to the walls if there are logistical problems attaching to the ceiling (such as in an apt. or condo with no crawl space above).