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Hi. I am wondering about a lift for my dad so we can get him up off the floor. We are taking measures to keep him from ending up on the floor in the first place, but I'd like an option for if he does end up there again. He can walk and stand OK but cannot get up off the floor. This lift at Amazon looks like it may work. Any advice? Thanks.



https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZWP3FG3/ref=sspa_dk_detail_4

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If dad is in such bad condition that he can't get up off the floor, he may be unable to get into this device. Or be unable in the near future. A lot depends on his condition and prognosis. Like, why's he falling in the first place? Are his limbs floppy sometimes? Does he have issues such as a sore hip that would keep him from rolling on it?

Also, you could hurt yourself trying to help him.

The best advice is to call EMTs and have them get him up when he falls. They are professionals.
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The "lift" you're after is called 911. Either the EMT's or firefighters(depends where you live)will come out and pick up your dad for free as long as he isn't hurt and need to be transported to the hospital.
No lift on Amazon is worth hurting oneself over or your dad.
Perhaps a visit to his doctor is in order to find out exactly why he is falling in the first place.

My late husband who'd had a massive stroke at 48, ended up developing vascular dementia in his late 60's and became a fall risk. There was a 2 month period when I had to call 911 9 times to have them come get him up off the floor and into bed.
And each time they came they were very kind and professional, and there was no charge.
Please don't risk hurting yourself or anyone else.
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You call 911 and ask for a "LIFT ASSIST"
In most areas the call and response will cost you nothing.
If they transport to the hospital that is where the $$$ comes in.
Paramedics will ask someone to sign a waiver indicating that you have declined transport.
BUT what calling 911 will do in addition to getting dad up off the floor is the paramedics will know there is a vulnerable person living at that address. They will know dad and whoever is caring for him. Dad will know them and not be overly frightened when they show up again.
AND..They are trained to help someone up. They are trained to that they will not hurt dad or themselves.
What I used to do was while I was on the phone talking to the dispatcher I would lock up the dogs, put a note on the front door "door open walk in" and then I would go back and sit with my Husband. The paramedics would walk in I would call out and they would go to the room where we were. Did this 9 times was never charged, the guys were awesome usually in and out of the house in 5 minutes.
I probably would never have been able to use a "device" as my Husband would not have been able to comprehend instructions.
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BurntCaregiver Dec 30, 2023
@Grandma

You're spot on about 911. It doesn't cost anything if there's no transport to the hospital.

I've had to call many, many times for clients who fell in their homes.
Just as many times was I met with being begged not to by clients and families and pleas of could I just "try" to get them up.

Nope. I will not try because I know better. Always call EMS. Never take a chance. You could get injured yourself trying to humor the person who has fallen or their family because they're embarrassed or don't want to be on the radar of EMS. You'd be surprised how many people believe that calling the paramedics to help will mean they get sent to a nursing home.
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Never try to get someone up off the floor yourself. This can cause serious injury to them and you.

If someone is on the floor, call 911. Let the paramedics handle it the correct and safe way.
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My 94-yr old Mom recently fall in her home (we live next door to her and she got a leg cramp and went down slowly on carpeting). She called me over and after I felt certain she wasn't injured in any way, had her get on all fours as I put a kitchen chair in front of her and we helped her as she held onto the chair and mostly got herself up as we supported her. There was no way we were going to pick her up and risk a back injury. She was adamant that we not call 911.
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OK, thanks. Just trying to figure out how to best help him. I won't go into detail, but it's difficult as a caregiver to know when the healthcare/eldercare system is needed or not. I've dealt with an elderly uncle and now my father, and the reality is that when the healthcare/eldercare system gets involved with an elderly person when it's not necessary, the elderly person is always hurt by it. At least around here that's the case. Calling 911 to get him up off the floor when he is uninjured may risk his health and quality of life.
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lealonnie1 Dec 30, 2023
Where do you live that 911 EMTs are always hurting an elder who's fallen, or "risking his health and quality of life"?????
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Wish I had had this advice a few months ago. When my wife fell a couple of times, I did call 911, because I just could not pick her up by myself. The EMS team responded quickly and took care of the problem. Had them come two times, a different team each time, both teams very efficient and friendly. However, the next time my wife fell, I felt that I was imposinIn picking up my wife. So, I did struggle to get her up myself, as I did the next two times. There was never an injury, just a little bruising. Now, after reading these great answers from so many people, I see that it is apparently a normal part of EMS service - AND...I really did not have to get this damn hernia after all.
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Southernwaver Dec 30, 2023
So there was an injury?
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Call 911. That’s it. That is the answer. You don’t have to like or agree with it. You simply call 911.
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I cannot see how calling the EMT’s for help can possibly endanger an elder. We called many times for help lifting my dad safely after a fall. He was always treated kindly and competently by the paramedics who promptly arrived, safely lifted and assessed for injury, and talked nicely to him. It was always a positive experience. We didn’t risk injury to dad or ourselves and got the reassurance of someone medically trained looking him over. Hurt by them? No way
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>> I think your name fits in this situation, as you definitely seem to be a bit disillusioned.

The way you used the word "disillusioned" indicates you don't know what it means. You've confused it with "deluded" FYI.

I'm obviously going to get no advice about lifts here. I concede that calling 911 may be the best option, but I do not yet know that based on the responses here as no one spoke directly to the lift I asked about, or about any other lifts. I will continue to investigate the lift option elsewhere. I find it hard to believe that these lifts exist but that there is never a good reason to use them. Thanks.
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Southernwaver Dec 30, 2023
Just saw the link. Going to look
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We have what's called a Transfer Belt. Much more affordable option. Unless the issue is with ability. I'm 34 years old and 175 pounds lifting a 98 pound 96 year old, in a worst case scenario. ❤️ wow just read other responses and not everyone has the same situation OR resources. Especially in high stress situations. You don't always think super clearly... you do the best you can.
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Well, try it and let us know how it works— might help someone down the line who has the same question. It looks like you would need to rig up some straps or something to keep him in the chair part.
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I just went to the amazon link. Pretty pricey device and assumes the senior has enough strength and agility to scooch themselves onto the seat, otherwise the caregiver will be bending over helping them do this (recipe for a back injury). Depending on the age and health of your LO, a fall can now produce a serious injury that may not show up right away, like some fractures.

Honestly, if your LO is falling regularly enough now to warrant a $300+ "pick-up" device then it is only a matter of time until there will be a hip break or a head injury. At that point the device will be moot and you'll be stuck with it.

If you're worried about them going to the ER if you call 911 for help, your LO can create a DNH document (Do Not Hospitalize).

Have you thought about physical therapy for this person to strengthen their legs? Are you sure they don't have some other issue, like Parkinsons or balance problems?
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AlvaDeer Jan 5, 2024
I second this advice for certain.
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My MIL falls frequently. Mostly a 'slump' to the ground as opposed to a serious 'fall'..but she is unable to get herself up.

IF she remembers to push her call alert button on her watch, then the calling tree begins. Usually, SIL is the first to make it to the house and she lets the EMT's in, b/c they are called when the alert is made. SIL cannot lift her mother, nor can Dh or his OB. All 3 have bad backs. The EMT's have gone out to do nothing more than put her back in her recliner or bed, depending on the time of day.

She doesn't remember much, but she IS aware that if one of the kids can no longer help her on a daily basis, she is going into a NH. So the EMT's have the code to the door and let themselves in.

Her doorways and hallways are very narrow and do not allow for any kind of 'lifting' equipment.

The EMT's do check her over and she always refuses transport to the hospital (which is her right). Only if the POA says she has to go will she go. And the POA is my DH who will NEVER make that call.
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You can call 911 in case of a emergency the firefighters will come
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Do not spend wasted money on lifts. Call 911 for assistance.
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I had been considering buying this for my husband who has fallen just a few times. Instead I bought a less expensive inflatable mattress but I haven’t needed to use it yet.
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That one would work. There are others that do same thing and probably a little cheaper. Also look on FB Marketplace, Estate Sales near you to get a better bargain. A little sanitizing on a used item can save lots of $
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Do you call the fire dept. directly? There is a cost where I live.
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Disi
See if you can arrange home physical therapy for your dad. Ask the therapist for ideas on how to assist dad safest should he fall.
You could show the devices to therapist for feedback.
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Lots of advice here but I want to add one important thing, be very careful that he has not had an injury with the fall or something that caused it in the first place. My Dad had suffered a few falls and I had a way of helping him up myself (still amazes me that I was able), but then one of the times I noticed he wasn't gripping my hand fully on one side and sure enough, he had fallen because he had a stroke. I knew it instantly and asked him to smile - one of the tests to check for stoke is when they smile, one side of their mouth doesn't go up. I stopped trying to get him up and called 91@. The EMTs were there in a flash and it saved him. They were able to get meds going right away in the ambulance. Everything happened so quickly, my Dad started getting worse by time he was in the ER but because of the quick action of my calling for help and them arriving so fast, it truly saved him from having more complications. I was so thankful I knew what to look for and was home when it happened. As I said, he had fallen before and as far as I knew, he was ok. Until that time. I wish you and your Dad the best.
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MaryKathleen Jan 5, 2024
This was my thoughts, Perhaps the loved one was already going down hill and that is why the falls.
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Disi11usioned: Call 9-1-1 as this is always a job for EMS.
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fluffy1966 Jan 6, 2024
I think NeedHelp did call "911" and the firemen appeared. This happens in my City of Austin very frequently, and the Firemen are highly trained. Our EMS Services are stretched very thin, and the Fire Dept provides excellent assistance.
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Best lift for my mom were the firemen after I called 911!
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If u keep calling the emt just for lifts they'll end up sending her to the hospital for ?? Nursing home. That's not their job to lift people frequently. If possible and not injury,which you'll know right away,have the person roll on their side get up on all fours and grab a chair seat or bench and with assist stand up
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Daughterof1930 Jan 5, 2024
The EMT’s that helped us with my never minded helping or recommended transport after assessing for injuries. And my dad definitely did not have the physical strength to get up on all fours, grab a chair, and stand up. Once down, he was dead weight. I’m still thankful for the help we received
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I agree with everyone here who said 911 lift assist! I cared for my mom at her house and I wound up lifting her myself off the floor about 5 times in 3 months. I think now that she's been in memory care for a little over 2 months, that my body hurts all the time, every joint, and that is why. And I'm a nurse and I know the proper ways, etc., but I shouldn't have done it alone, even though she is a relatively small person. Call for help, and get things checked out. You may have to change your situation.
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There are many lifts available but I was fortunate at young age to become a certified lifeguard. And part of the training was how to pick up and carry people. I never really had to use the stuff until my wife got sick. It was a nice skill to have.
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Don’t risk injuring yourself! My dad would fall frequently so Mom would call 911 for help.
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Fire department lift assist.
i called the station directly.
they said to:
call 911 , it’s not an emergency DH Fell and I need lift assist.”

1st time, no issue.
2nd time, the 911 operator told me… 911 is for emergencies and hung up.
3rd time I called the FD , who said I needed to call 911 , etc, and the prior day 911 opera hung up on me immediately..
the captain was surprised..
so do yourself a favor, get LO evaluated by primary doctor. And talk to primary about falls. My DH fell 3 days in a row. Head injuries? I believe so. Yup.. it did him no good. Think he may incurred other injuries…
Now he’s on hospice care.
and it’s not good.
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funkygrandma59 Jan 8, 2024
MAYDAY, you must live in a not very nice city if that was the response of your local 911. All I can say to that is how very sad(and you may want to move).
On the many occasions when I had to call 911 to help get my late husband up off the floor, the EMT's were ALWAYS very kind and helpful and when I would apologize that they had to come out again, they would always say not to worry as that was part of their job.
And you're right, one never knows if a fall can actually hurt or harm a person, so the EMT's(in my case)or fire fighters(in others)coming to assist can help determine if in fact the person who has fallen needs to be taken to the hospital.
I'm sorry you had such a negative experience. I hope yours is the exception and not the rule.
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Funky grandma,
my city it ok; the first time I called 911 for lift assist, the operator was cordial enough and took my call.
I think some operators for 911 think they have a sense of power. Your EMERGENCY as you will is in the hands of the agent who took your call.
A year or so back, I witnessed a short policeman struggling with a taller homeless man. I called 911. The female agent was just having fun, trying to get me frazzled, wouldn’t let me explain the emergency. She’d cut me off in mid sentence. I finally decided to stop talking. I told her never mind… officer down.. officer down.. and hung up.
That incident with officer and homeless encounter hit the news…

anyway… i have been up all night.. and needed to vent..,

thinking these 911 calls are getting misdirected when you call from a cell ohone
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MAYDAY Jan 8, 2024
Perhaps it’s just me..I’m not sure..,
I get frazzled at times…
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I highly recommend the Indee Lift. (Please Google - didn't think the link would work.) It was very expensive, but a lifesaver for my mom. My sister was called too many times at all hours of the day/night to get my mom off the floor. If my mom was able to crawl, she could use it by herself.
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