Hi there everyone. Over the last year or so, my grandfather has been having trouble getting out of bed. He usually wakes up at 3 in the morning, and has to wake my grandmother up to get her help.

Having to do this everyday has been hard on her, since she would normally wake up around 6. The situation is getting worse, since last night she called my father to come and help her get my grandfather out of bed.

I am wondering if anybody knows of a harness system that could lift my grandfather out of bed independitly?

Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated, thank you so much!

Ava, When the word "therapy" is used, please know types are many. A physical therapist may teach exercises and techniques that are intended to help the patient make the best use of equipment as well as abilities. There are other "therapists" as well. But understand that they can help you understand the right techniques and equipment for a purpose. If you explain your needs to his PCP, then that doc can direct you.

Here's the rub. I see that you care deeply about the welfare and comfort of both GPs. Chances are that the Doc can't talk with you. Is there someone who has POA and DPOA?

You don't say if this is your maternal or paternal set of GPs. Doesn't really matter, but are any of their children involved?

It is wonderful that you care, and that you have observed their needs. I am very glad to meet you here.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B000GUFFN6/ref=...?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&img=1

Hope this helps. I use a small bedrail attached to her bedframe for mom to help herself rise up. These tools assist when they are still able to move around with assistance.

Does he get any kind of in home care from home health agencies?Maybe his doctor can reccomend help for him.Their is a certian criteria for services.It would not hurt to try.Make things easier for the wife

Welcome, avatharlant. When patients cannot get out of bed there are several devices to help. If your grandfather has trouble getting up and ambulating to the bathroom, a bedside commode is the hot setup. If he can sit up and assist somewhat with his arms, a transfer board can allow him to slide/scoot from the bed to the bedside commode. If he is having trouble walking and cannot assist much, then a hoyer lift is great. There are different slings to use for different purposes. One is made specifically for toileting and has a hole in it so that the person can be lifted from bed, then set on the bedside commode. Bedpans and urinals are also very handy. If a patient cannot lift their bottom to slide the bedpan underneath, one can roll the patient on their side and then onto the bedpan.

Is your grandfather receiving any home health services? If not, his doctor can order this and they will come out and evaluate his needs and order the appropriate equipment to assist with his care. They can also let y'all know what items are covered under medicare and what items are not. Good luck!

PS. The doctor can order home physical therapy if he cannot qualify for outpatient PT. It is extremely important to keep patients as able as possible both for the sake of their caregivers and their overall health.

My husband had Parkinsons.The lift was the best thing ever presented to me.Many times social security will pay for it.If he was a veteran , maybe able to get it through the VA.

Hello
My grandpas not very mobile, he has Parkinson's and diabetes, and is a bit on the heavy side. While a good idea, I don't think physical therapy would benefit him, I doubt he'd go anyways.

Thank you for the advice though, I'll have to look into some lifts.

hello, welcome.The only thing I ever used was a lift.They have an electric, which maybe the best for this situation.For her to try to lift him is dangerous for her and for him.How physically able is he.I know with physically therapy they teach you to roll on your side. Then use you hands to push your self up in the sitting position.For someone who has a severe disk problem from lifting, see if you cannot get a therapist to give you a better way.The electric lift would be one.
Your concern for her is wonderful