Give Yourself a Lift, Part I

Care giving has so many faces.  Sometimes the role is purely emotional.  Sometimes it gets physical.  Sometimes it requires a daily phone call.  Sometimes it calls upon you to share your home.  Sometimes care giving costs you a lot of money.  Sometimes it costs you time and a piece of your soul.  In all cases, care giving is one of the most amazing things we do as humans.

When care giving gets physical, you will need to pay attention.  Like many dangers in life, this one can creep up on you.  At first, your loved one might only need a helping hand to get out of a chair or in and out of the car.  Soon, you realize that you need to use two hands and arms for what once took one.  Next, you find yourself literally pulling and pushing the person you care for in and out of chairs, beds, cars, tubs and showers.  Your wrist hurts.  Your shoulder.  There are twinges in your back you did not feel last month.  Your head hurts.  Studies of caregivers reveal that incidences of acute conditions that turn chronic are huge.  The worst of it all is that many caregivers ignore the signs and keep on going.

Of the many tools and products available to help you as a caregiver, those that can help you with lifting are among the most important, and often the most ignored because of potential cost associated with them.  Let’s start with four simple and reasonably priced tools that help you while you help someone else.

1.    Gait belt:  This belt is wider and longer than the average belt for trousers.  It helps you get a better grip while you walk behind someone who is unsteady on feet or as you reach behind to help someone lift from a seated position. It will save you and a few belt loops on regular trousers!  You can find a sturdy gait belt for under $15.
2.    Risers:  At under $5/pair, risers provide the extra height that someone might need to get themselves out of a chair or sofa.  Higher risers on the back of a sofa, coupled with a lower pair on the front creates the effect of a lift chair, giving an individual enough height to raise and lower themselves, saving you and your back.
3.    Wall bars, grab bars and tub bars:  These tried and true objects can make all the difference between someone hurting themselves and safety.  It is time to get over the idea that such tools “mar” the bathroom or look unsightly in hallways.  Bars range from $15 to hundreds, depending on type and how many.  In fact, there are “designer” grab bars available now to match other fine accessories in the home.
4.    Bed cane: For under $100 this attractive and highly functional product is a must have for those who can still get in and out of bed by themselves, but need something to rely on…instead of you and your back.  A large platform tucks between the box spring and mattress.  You securely fasten a strap around the bed frame and the bed cane is ready for use.  It comes with a handy cover that sports pockets to hold the remote, tissue, a pen and a few other treasures.

Watch for part 2 of this series which highlights solutions that may cost more money, but will bring you and the person you care for relief and comfort.  In some cases, Medicare and other insurance plans will help cover costs.  

In the meantime, when care giving gets physical, do not take it lightly.  Pay attention and figure out quickly what kinds of tools you will need to avoid injury to yourself and your loved one.