Hi all--

I was talking with a friend today who cares for her mother with Alzheimer's. Her Mom is physically small and frail; however, Nina is also a small woman and not too strong. She can handle most situations, but she cannot physically lift her mother if she falls--doesn't happen often, but I know from experience how hard it is to prevent all falls. She must also help her to stand from a sitting position.

I know that there are lifts which can be used for this, but I also know that they are quite expensive.

Any ideas on agencies which might provide help?

Any ideas on what type or brand is good?

I thought that I would call the disability resources person at one of our local colleges and the local Area Agency on Aging. If anyone has any suggestions or experience in this area, I would apprecaite it so that I can pass this information along.

Cajey, if your friend's mom has home health, they can send out someone from Physical therapy to assess her Mom's needs and the best equipment with which to handle and assist her. If she has a case worker, this person also could arrange for someone to evaluate the needs and make recommendations. I was shown many of the techniques I use in caring for my mom by the physical therapy folks at the rehab center where Mom received some reconditioning years ago. I was shown the proper use of a gait belt and other equipment I needed for Mom's care. They showed me how to do several types of patient transfers, how to change a bedridden person (and how to change the sheets while they are in the bed) and much more!

Please see our thread on Preventing Falls and what to do when someone falls. By no means are these the only ideas, tips, rules and suggestions on these important topics, but we have hit most of the high points and hopefully some of the information will be useful for your friend.
(both can be found here.

Hi, Cajey.

I don't have much experience in this area, but my mom does have a chair like the ones pictured here:
http://www.themedsupplyguide.com/lift-chairs/

It has been quite a help sometimes!
Good luck!