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
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?
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.
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.
If someone is on the floor, call 911. Let the paramedics handle it the correct and safe way.
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.
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.
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.