Assited transfer floor to wheelchair advice

[Kulea]

Originally Posted by elarson

Long term the goal is that my husband can do unassisted transfers from floor to wheelchair.

I have used this same technique unassisted. Once the chair is flipped, line it up along side a couch on his good side (or whatever big stable object that is in the room), and lock the brakes. Then sit up and transfer butt onto backrest (which is lying on the ground). Then grab legs and lift them over the wheelchair seat (which is now upright), so my knees hook over the front of seat with my feet dangling back down behind the seat bottom (or, if you're good getting you're lower legs all the way onto the calf strap). Then, sitting up, so my chest is against my knees, grab the couch seat and pull backward and down, which causes the chair to pivot forward making the footrests go down and the back to go upright. I am not a hemi, but am a strong quad so I don't know what part of this would be most difficult for him. My hardest part is getting my legs up while keeping my torso upright. The couch helps provide some stability in this. You can probably practice this with you assisting him at first, swinging his legs up over the seat and him helping you do the pivot. Once, he sees how it works, and how he can do the pivot with his own strength, he can work on how to get his legs up.

[elarson]

Originally Posted by Kulea

I have used this same technique unassisted.

How about a moment of fame and making a video? I saw somewhere on this forum a sticky for transfer videos. I know for sure that I would definitely appreciate it.

Thanks for all of your tips, even if you don't make a video;-).

[SCI-Nurse]

Keep in mind that the Elk and Camel are totally portable and battery powered. This adds significantly to their costs.

(KLD)

[DIGGER]

Here's a link for transfer vids

[~Lin]

Id seen a youtube of a guy recovering from lying backwards, being taught at PT. I haven't found that exact one but this is the same method in a quick video. Of course, not possible for hemi but maybe the visual will help others. And also it could be adapted to help a hemi with the individual doing half and the assistant doing the other half.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwrbUqeqZHQ

[Curt Leatherbee]

How about a tub lift like the invacare Rio? http://bike-on.com/product/bike-on-h...-seat-1874.htm These look like they'd be good for getting down to the ground from the chair to go swimming too and that sort of activity.

[MSspouse]

Originally Posted by elarson

...We are also looking into ways to prevent the falls in the first place, but the advice I am seeking is more about what to do if they should happen. Some falls are also due to epilepsy, which we really can´t do a lot about...

Tell him he is looking at it all wrong. The best way to assure his dependence will be to continue being "independent" and falling. Taking unnecessary risks is stupid and not fair to you. I'm sure an undetected broken coccyx was the gateway to my wife's first stage IV pressure sore. The elderly mother of a friend of mine is now in a nursing home likely for the rest of her life due to falling (in the hospital off all places) trying to go to the bathroom by herself. A broken hip and pressure sores took their toll. Now her substantial savings is gone and my friend is fighting to get her qualified for Medicaid before she get evicted with no money left to support herself. Little falls can be very expensive in more ways than you imagine.

My advice - get a lift now. Don't put it off. At least a hoyer, but preferably a ceiling lift and track so he has some chance of feeling in control and doing a complete transfer himself. Then use it all the time. I've seen a couple nice used ceiling lift systems on ebay lately for just over $2K. The first day in the hospital will make that look like pocket change.