My dad is 96 years old and basically chair-bound because of degenerative disk disease. I can manage him in the house and transition him to the bathroom, bed, etc., but I cannot get him into or out of the car without some major obstacles. He lives with me, but it is just the 2 of us most of the time. I've tried a Hoya-like lift, but it doesn't work well for us. I have a "Slide-n-Ride" which is manageable, but still very difficult. I've tried to move him like the videos online that show proper technique, but he weighs about 170 lbs., and I can't physically move him. I use a slide sheet, and I've tried a transfer board, but nothing works well. I just want him to be able to get out of the house and see people and scenery. He's always been very social, but his poor physical condition is affecting his mood and frame of mind, and he needs to get out a little. Has anyone tried anything that works for them? Surely I'm not the only one with this issue. Are there resources available?
If it were me I would contact his doctor and ask for an order for physical therapy. The therapist really helped me understand how to help my parents getting in and out of a ca. Neither had the challenges your dad deals with though my mom did have a fractured back once and we did manage.
You’ve inspired me to take my aunt out more.
I hope someone has some great tips for you.
Can you get a home PT or OT visit? This was arranged for one relative when I was having trouble & it really helped. Worked out what was still possible.
I must admit, since then, I have given up transporting two relatives in my car as they need more than I can do.
Now it's a 'walk' outside in a wheelchair or wheelchair taxi.
The risk of you or Dad getting hurt is far to great to get him into your car.
as already said, check with senior services in your township. Look at handicapped rides services. A medicar costs at least $100 each way so not a good idea for the doctors office trips. Maybe now, telemedicine is a good idea. Taking him anywhere is risky.
as the weather gets nice, can you get him outside in his chair? At his age, he will be vulnerable to Covid so he really can’t see other people anyway. Your sentiments are admirable but he really is no longer mobile and should not be going anywhere.
I used a contractor garbage bag with the bottom cut to easily move my husband in the car. He would sit on the edge of the seat and I would swing his legs into the car and the bag would slide on itself (very much like using a draw sheet) and it would be easy to position him. (my Husband was 6'4 and over 200 pounds and I could slide him using the heavy duty garbage bag)
But, and this is important...SAFETY if it is no longer safe for you to try to get him in and out of a car or if it is no longer safe for him to try to get in and out of a car than the rides need to stop.
Get a medical transport.
Most Public Transportation services also have Handicap vans or small buses that will pick up passengers and take them to whatever destination and they will return to take you home.. Some require 24 hour notice.
Call me a cheapskate, but a plastic bag on the seat works for me 😁.
Hope you find a good solution.
https://www.takealonglifts.com/
http://www.blvd.com/vehicle-mobility-transfer-seats/milford-person-lift
http://accessunlimited.com/html/multi-lift-car.html
You are an Angel and blessed Dr Jack survivor of 4 th stage colon cancer and near death experience!
We (I, cuz I was the only person willing to do it) were able to get my Dad, in & our of my car, with a slide board. He's roughly (well, he was. Passed away recently) alittle over 200lb's.
#1. He has to be willing & wanting to get out. Otherwise, you won't get any cooperation from him.
#2. Coach him, every step of the way. Easier with 2 people but can be done with one. I'm a female & if I can do it, anyone can. When he was able, I'd have him, reach for the steering wheel & pull himself in.
No easy task but can be done. Hope this helps
Love and Peace
One was called a turney. I have no information on the cost. Don't confuse this to the seat for the driver which will do similar functions.
The one I am talking about is for the passenger side.
Good luck.
On the the other hand, you might spring for a wheelchair accessible taxi to drive him by family and friends’ homes, letting them know ahead of time that he’ll be driving by, and they could come to the curb and each tell him a knock knock joke. Maybe drive by as his church is dismissing, (if they are meeting in person now) letting the congregation know he’s coming through the parking lot and the groups can wave and wish him well.
You are a sweet daughter to try and find ways to bring your father joy. God bless you.
If the answer is 'yes', that he does want to go out in the car, then get a physical therapist involved by coming into your home and showing you precisely how to do it safely.
If the answer is 'no', that he does not want to go out in the car, then leave him alone & honor his wishes, as I did with my father.
Good luck!
This is the sweetest post I have seen. You cannot be much younger than your father and here you are sacrificing to bring some joy in his life.
The responses have been encouraging with practical suggestions, and the doctor on here who died and went to heaven... no longer in practice but very knowledgeable... he is here to serve.
What an encouraging post.
The best to you.
I don’t have much to offer except this thought...
if you contact a physical therapist make sure you ask how to protect or build up your own body to continue to be a companion to your father.