Tag Archives: medical equipment

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,

 

Lessons Learned on the Caregivers Floor

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Lessons Learned on the Caregivers FloorMy concerns over needing more medical equipment and keeping Mother in bed all night were verified in the early morning hours when I heard a light thud. As I rushed into her room, I found Momma on the floor with her pillow and blankets.

“Momma, whatcha doin’ down there?”

She simply stared at me as I checked her out. Finding that she had not suffered any injuries, I had to determine what to do now.

“Are you having a slumber party?” Big smile and giggles.

“Can I join you? We can sleep in the floor—I would like that.”  She quickly responded with a huge smile and a childlike twinkle in her blue eyes.

With no one available to help me until morning, I rolled her over onto some warm blankets, pillowed her head, and snuggled in beside her for the night. This was the beginning of another adjustment in the ever-changing life of a caregiver.

Now was the time to get a hospital bed moved into our home and I was not ready.

I recall a few days later when I locked her in that bed, the clang of those cold bars as they clicked in place and her stare of disapproval. It didn’t seem right to lock my own mother up!

“Oh, Mommy, you gonna really like this new bed of yours. Look at this, you got blanket holders to keep your blankets on the bed so you’ll stay warm all night long.”

It was important that I not show any frustration in my expressions as I continued:  “And you have a brand new mattress—aren’t you just somethin’ now!”

For my mother in her situation, those silly little conversations helped us survive the constant changes without a lot of stress. Mother had become so much like a child, living in and for the moment at hand. She seemed to reflect the atmosphere around her.

For you it may be different.  The reality is the same in any given situation: our attitude and approach to situations greatly influence how others will react. Whatever the ages of the persons involved, a smile and kind word will generally make difficult situations easier to manage.

Did I necessarily want to giggle or to sleep on the floor? No! I wanted to share my frustrations with someone. I wanted to complain because she was in the floor and I had no help.

This one thing I can promise: “My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory.” Somehow He always gave me the strength and wisdom I needed to make it through. I hope you rely on Him for help and comfort.

Hugs,

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