any experience with an uplift commode?

Sonya · 11-03-2008, 10:27 AM

I am amazed at the products available ! But, I am angry that no Doctors or anyone else in the healthcare field has bothered to make patients aware of products that can make their daily life more manageable.
My friend can't get herself lifted off the commode lately, which is awful when you live by yourself . We found the uplift commode on the internet and we were amazed and thrilled !
Before buying, though, we would like to talk to someone who has actually used one.
If you use one, please reply, so I can ask some questions about it.
They are not returnable, so I have to make sure about it before the purchase is made.

Thanks, Sonya

SCI-Nurse · 11-03-2008, 10:33 AM

These are only appropriate for people who walk. Does your friend walk on her own? They don't transfer you, just lift you up onto your feet. Mostly used by people with hip problems or geriatric patients who are weak. In 30 years of SCI care I have never seen a case where they would be appropriate for someone with SCI unless they are an ASIA D and walk (and don't use a wheelchair in their home).

(KLD)

Sonya · 11-03-2008, 10:41 AM

My little 95 pound friend has the will and determination of a giant!
She does not walk at all. She slides from her electric wheel chair to transfer boards to get on commode and in the bed. It is an amazing feat and it takes a long time for to do the smallest move. But, she won't give up. She lifts herself with the handles around her toilet seat, so that she can pull or clothing up or down. She does not lift so she can walk. She will pull herself while sitting back down on the commode over to her board and get back to her wheelchair.
It's just that sometimes lately, her knees do not have the strength to lift her up off the seat and she has had to call friends to come over and get her off the commode. Other days, she lifts up just fine.
What do you think?

SCI-Nurse · 11-04-2008, 01:30 AM

The lift seat would not be appropriate for her. It would not lift her up so she could adjust clothing as her weight would remain the same on her butt, and would be very likely to cause her to be at high risk for a fall. Has she considered a ceiling track lift or other mechanical lift??

(KLD)

Sonya · 11-04-2008, 09:33 AM

We are kind of wondering about lost in the maze.... I have called so many agencies and nobody gives any real answers. I keep wondering why don't the Dr's offices at least have pamplet or resource material there so their patients will at least know there is some help available....

What would be the name of the kind of lift that would work with the commode? What kind of price range would that be in, if you happen to know?

Thank you very much !

SCI-Nurse · 11-04-2008, 10:49 AM

Many people with MS do not have a physiatrist, but this would be the best physician to help her access some of these resources. They can both provide a comprehensive disability assessment and provide a referral to a good PT and OT who can assess her mobility and ADL needs and recommend equipment. Much of this equipment is very expensive and often not covered by insurance, so it is important to get the right things and not waste her money on equipment that will not work for her. The local MS Society is also a good resource for referral to physicians and therapists.

There are a number of companies that sell lifts, both mobile and ceiling track. Look into SureHands, Arjo, Horsher, Guldmann, Molift, and Barrier Free. Hoyer brand is probably the least desirable, but Invacare is also a poor quality related to these other brands.

(KLD)

11-03-2008, 10:27 AM	#1
Sonya Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 6	any experience with an uplift commode? I am amazed at the products available ! But, I am angry that no Doctors or anyone else in the healthcare field has bothered to make patients aware of products that can make their daily life more manageable. My friend can't get herself lifted off the commode lately, which is awful when you live by yourself . We found the uplift commode on the internet and we were amazed and thrilled ! Before buying, though, we would like to talk to someone who has actually used one. If you use one, please reply, so I can ask some questions about it. They are not returnable, so I have to make sure about it before the purchase is made. Thanks, Sonya

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11-03-2008, 10:33 AM	#2
SCI-Nurse Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: USA Posts: 41,301	These are only appropriate for people who walk. Does your friend walk on her own? They don't transfer you, just lift you up onto your feet. Mostly used by people with hip problems or geriatric patients who are weak. In 30 years of SCI care I have never seen a case where they would be appropriate for someone with SCI unless they are an ASIA D and walk (and don't use a wheelchair in their home). (KLD)

11-03-2008, 10:41 AM	#3
Sonya Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 6	My little 95 pound friend has the will and determination of a giant! She does not walk at all. She slides from her electric wheel chair to transfer boards to get on commode and in the bed. It is an amazing feat and it takes a long time for to do the smallest move. But, she won't give up. She lifts herself with the handles around her toilet seat, so that she can pull or clothing up or down. She does not lift so she can walk. She will pull herself while sitting back down on the commode over to her board and get back to her wheelchair. It's just that sometimes lately, her knees do not have the strength to lift her up off the seat and she has had to call friends to come over and get her off the commode. Other days, she lifts up just fine. What do you think?

11-04-2008, 01:30 AM	#4
SCI-Nurse Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: USA Posts: 41,301	The lift seat would not be appropriate for her. It would not lift her up so she could adjust clothing as her weight would remain the same on her butt, and would be very likely to cause her to be at high risk for a fall. Has she considered a ceiling track lift or other mechanical lift?? (KLD)

11-04-2008, 09:33 AM	#5
Sonya Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 6	We are kind of wondering about lost in the maze.... I have called so many agencies and nobody gives any real answers. I keep wondering why don't the Dr's offices at least have pamplet or resource material there so their patients will at least know there is some help available.... What would be the name of the kind of lift that would work with the commode? What kind of price range would that be in, if you happen to know? Thank you very much !

11-04-2008, 10:49 AM	#6
SCI-Nurse Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: USA Posts: 41,301	Many people with MS do not have a physiatrist, but this would be the best physician to help her access some of these resources. They can both provide a comprehensive disability assessment and provide a referral to a good PT and OT who can assess her mobility and ADL needs and recommend equipment. Much of this equipment is very expensive and often not covered by insurance, so it is important to get the right things and not waste her money on equipment that will not work for her. The local MS Society is also a good resource for referral to physicians and therapists. There are a number of companies that sell lifts, both mobile and ceiling track. Look into SureHands, Arjo, Horsher, Guldmann, Molift, and Barrier Free. Hoyer brand is probably the least desirable, but Invacare is also a poor quality related to these other brands. (KLD)