Category Archives: Help

Portable Assist Cushion versus Lift Chair

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Portable Assist Cushion versus Lift Chair

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.

Lift Chair Options for Family Caregivers

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Physician’s order for a lift chair.  

Mother’s physician wrote an order for a lift chair and we quickly headed for a local medical equipment store. It had been some time since Mother could get out of her chair by herself and the tugging and lifting her was not good for her or for us. I was sure this would be an easy answer to a difficult situation.

How a simple order became complicated.
The chair we chose was perfect—right color, right size for the space, and right price. She was a giggly girl as she sat down and tried to get comfortable in her new chair. Her short, stubby frame was perched on the edge of the cushion and her legs dangled not touching the floor. I helped her scoot back into the chair and raised the foot rest only to watch the back automatically recline as the foot rest came up.
She was not happy! I was not happy! I had hoped this purchase would not only help her get up and down easily, but also enable her to keep her legs elevated. Obviously, I had more shopping to do, much to learn, and many more chairs to try.

Solution: Consider four types of chairs from my “Lift Chair 101 Class” before you shop.
1. Determine if your need is only to raise the legs while in a sitting position (and not necessarily fully recline). A Two Position Lift Chair is most economical for those just needing help getting up.
2. A Three Position Lift Chair adds a recline position although not a full recline. Again, this chair fits a modest budget and is usually available in many colors and fabrics.
3. Most manufacturers list an Infinite Position Lift Chair which is the most versatile of all. This chair elevates the feet above the heart and has separate controls for the foot rest and the back; it will recline fully. Naturally with more choices comes a bigger price tag.
4. There are now available Heavy Duty Lift Chairs for those with weights of 350# up to 700# and those who are taller than average.

Who will pay for this equipment?

Medicare may pay for the lift mechanism (usually $250 – $300) only if they have not paid on a manual or power wheelchair. You will want to check Medicare guidelines in your state.
In my next newsletter, I will offer eight specific things you need to know before you shop for a lift chair. I will also tell you the specific solution to Mother’s dilemma and why we made that choice for her.

Hugs,

 

3 Simple, Doable Resolutions for Caregivers

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Resolutions are not just about food and exercise.

Whether caregiver or busy parent, you may feel you have passed the time of resolving to make changes. After all, been there-done that! And, you may realize there just is no extra time or energy to give to another project.

And yet, a new year signifies new birth; a chance to begin again. Finding a simple, doable goal is like a dangling carrot in front of you; something to strive for; something to work toward.

Here are three helps to making resolutions doable.  Note: be sure to read the paragraphs following this list for some ideas on resolutions you can keep!
1. Spend a few minutes looking over your last year; what one thing would you change that could make this year go smoother? One thing, not two or three, just one. Would it be finding time for some personal endeavor, learning more about caregiving, understanding your role better? As best you can, determine what one thing has occupied your time and zapped your energy—your goal could be as simple as learning not to worry so much.
2. Begin with a short-term goal. Instead of resolving for the next year you will do such and such, begin with just one month at a time. You need to have an end in sight; a year is a long time to stay faithful to a goal. Reward yourself (perhaps not with chocolate shake and cookies) at the end of the month and start again the next month. You can increase your goal a bit if you have succeeded. Either way get ready for another exciting 30 day journey.
3. Find an accountability partner. This is so important. I have learned that, while I do not want to share everything with someone, I really do better if someone is there to hold me accountable for my actions. I have a friend whose gentle nudge helps me stay on track. She does not criticize; she just reminds me in some way of my goals and encourages my efforts. (Note: write me, I will be happy to walk along side you as you strive to reach your goals.)

Ideas for simple, yet life-changing goals..

a. If your goal is to accomplish something for yourself, schedule even fifteen minutes a day. For me, I have several new books I’m longing to read yet there is never enough time for such as that. So I am going to schedule myself fifteen minutes a day for reading my book. I will keep the book in a drawer by my easy chair and allow myself at least fifteen minutes of reading time. I know there will be days I can read more; however, even a few minutes will get me toward my goal.

b. If your goal is vague, let’s say for instance, you want to take better care of your parent, spouse, or other person you are caring for. Determine one thing you could do to become a better caregiver. I sought to learn more about my mother as I cared for her. As I begin to show a genuine interest in her as a person, she became easier to deal with. Meet the person where they are mentally, spiritually, physically.

c. If your goal is something about yourself, identify that. Are you a worrier? Is your goal to worry less? Then figure out what one thing you worry most about. Learn to daily put that one thing in God’s hands; He will take care of it and practice reminding yourself that it is in His hands and you can trust Him with the outcome.

I can sense some of my readers now: “Lady, if you just knew what I’m going through!” I know this, there is One who knows, who cares, and who provides.

Trusting Him to care for you. Let me hear from you, please.

Hugs,

Please leave a reply at the bottom of this article about your goals; I am anxious to hear them.