My husband is almost 74 and I’m 72. He was diagnosed 8/22 with Alzheimer’s and then 7/23 with atypical chronic myeloid leukemia, no cure and prognosis 7-23 months. He is taking Donepezil and just had it doubled to 20 mg a day due to increased confusion and repeatedly asking same questions and gets oral chemo Monday-Friday for aCML which has caused him to have very bad anemia leading to constant fatigue. He went to get out of bed this morning and ended up on the floor, first fall. He kept saying I don’t know how to get up and would start to roll as if getting on his knees but would stop. After 2 hours of trying to get him up, coaxing, instructing, demonstrating and finally threatening to call 911. He finally was able to get himself to his knees and get into a chair. He is 5’10” and 242# and I’m 5’6”, 160# so I couldn’t lift him. Is anyone aware of a device that could have assisted me in getting him up? Any other words of advice?
My aunt basically crawled on hands and knees and got herself up into a chair. It was heartbreaking to watch. She laughed it off and said it happens more times than we know. :\
It's really not worth risking hurting yourself.
My late husband towards the end of his life fell a lot. As in a lot. There was a period of 2 months when I had to call 911 9 times and thankfully because my husband wasn't hurt there was no charge, and the EMT's were always nothing but very nice and helpful.
I'm sorry that your husband has so much going on with him. I do hope that you have a plan B in place in case his care gets to be too much for you.
As for falls, they will happen. Husband has Alzheimer's, which is going to limit his ability to learn how to cooperate in anything or even understand what it's for. For your own safety, please call paramedics from now on. They are happy to help. Devices - I'm not a fan. They may require training to operate, and patients tend to flop around. I used to help my parents' caregivers with a Hoyer. They were skilled at it. I was not. And it was emotionally hard to watch my mother (severe dementia by that time) being hoisted around like a dead fish.
I'm so sorry all of this is happening to you and husband. I sincerely hope you find the help you need.
Two weeks later we received a bill for $100.00.
Just saying you could be on the hook for the same.
I would call again because she has to get off the floor.
Over all the falls in my family over the last 12 months: the dizzy have been been able to settle, gather strength & get back up . But unable to move due to pain was found to be due to broken bones - EMS needed. Another LO lacks mobility & needs a lifting device every time.
While a lifting machine/device can be purchased (eg Hoyer lift machine or inflatable seat lifters) they can be $$ but more importanly require more than one person to assist.
I don't reallly understand threatening to call 911. If you need to, you need to. Do it.
(Edit: Sorry that sounds harsh! I DO understand not wanting to call Paramedics when it not an actual emergency.. or if there is significant cost).
Places can differ. Find out what service your area uses for fallers.
I would call a non-emergency health helpline, your Doctor's office or your local fire department & ask. Who do I call to lift a person off the floor?
What helps me is I have a plan. I know who to call.
What discussions have you and hubby had regarding end of life care?
How long does hubby wish to fight this cancer?
When would he/WOULD HE wish to have Hospice support or palliative care.
Be there to listen. Ask the open ended questions. 'How do you feel? Do you want to continue the fight? Would you rather pass with the peace of Hospice care? I don't want to lose you but I will support all your choices".
You think your hubby is the one in need.
The truth may be (I say as a lifelong nurse) that it may be you who is having a hard time approaching open talking with your man.
I wish you the best. This is as tough as it gets. It will never get more tough than this. You will do the best you can and you can do no more.