Being Mother’s caregiver became complicated as her health deteriorated and needs changed. Lifting her out of a chair several times a day was impossible. When a lift chair was not an option, I searched medical equipment stores for a solution.

I was amazed to find an Assist Cushion as an affordable alternative. This cushion was much more practical for her body style and abilities. It is available in motorized and manual designs. The manual often less than $100 at medical equipment outlets and Amazon.com.

These amazing cushions can be used almost anywhere (preferably in chairs with arms). They are lightweight and easy to transport from room to room or any activity. Any person with difficulty getting up from a seated position will most likely benefit.

The cushion is fashioned in such a way that it responds to your body as you begin to rise from a seated position. The cushion will slowly but firmly push your body up enabling you to stand safely. If you are not ready to stand all the way, simply put weight back onto the cushion and it will retract. Difficult to explain but amazing to experience, I think it worth your trip to the store just to try it out. Who knows who you may be able to help with this knowledge!

Also available is a Power Lifting Seat, usually about two or three hundred dollars; still much less than a lift chair. Note: be sure to check with Medicare for possible reimbursement.

Before you head out to shop for a lift chair or an assist cushion, consider the following:

1. Will this purchase be helpful in the long haul or will we need to make changes again in a few weeks?
2. Does the chair or cushion stand her up too much or too quickly?
3. Can she operate the mechanics of a lift chair safely? Would she know what to do if the electricity suddenly went off with her partially standing up?
4. Will the purchase of a single chair confine her to one room; limit her mobility?
5. If there are chairs now she is comfortable in, would a lift cushion in them serve a better purpose than a chair?
6. Will the chair really be comfortable for her for long periods of time? Does it fit her body?
7. Will a lift portable lift cushion enable her to get out more to restaurants and other places?

Several have asked for more information about lift chairs; I trust these two weeks have been helpful. Again, I encourage you to check out the power cushions (called lifting cushions, assist seat, power seat assist, and others). I’ve been amazed at how much this simple device has helped so many once they discovered the product.

In the meantime, take care of yourself and those in your care and let me hear your needs and accomplishments.

Hugs,

Have you found an amazing product that has helped you in caregiving? Let me hear from you.