Ideas for Caregivers

​fesk

I've been struggling to find appropriate care for my mother who lives with me. She is beginning have mobility issues so I need someone who can handle transfers as well as be knowledgeable in how to care for someone with Alzheimer's. 

Except when very tired, my mother will assist with transfers, mostly doing it on her own. She can stand and walk - with someone by her side, of course. When very tired, she still assists but you need to be ready to support her fully if needed. Ideally, you don't transfer at those times. 

There is a shortage of caregivers through agencies and I've been screening candidates privately but cannot seem to find someone who can handle this. I do not mind assisting but that is not realistic in the long term as I need to be able to have a break, get sleep, etc. I have thought about having an additional caregiver come in for when she needs to get washed up so there will be two people but that doesn't help with any other time she needs to be transferred. I think any type of Hoyer lift is premature at this point.

I am able to handle her on my own so I feel that I should be able to find help that can as well - yet I can't.

I'd appreciate any ideas. Thank you.

harshedbuzz

fesk-

For safety's sake, many HHAs will not do solo transfers or lifts. The risk to their backs is too great-- it could be career-ending and leave them in pain for the rest of their lives. It is also not ideal for your mom either. In all the time my dad was needed assistance-- typically a lift in his case-- I never saw a single professional attempt it. In the MCF, aides would reassure him until a second person arrived. 

HB

mommyandme (m&m)

fesk,

I’m in your exact situation but have been dealing with it for months.  I’ve been able to transfer mom by myself for a year now even though her mobility is sketchy.  Of course, like you, if she’s tired it’s rough.  It’s gotten a lot harder in the last few months.   I have to cut my respite time short to help the caregiver with bedtime etc…. The company said that two person assists are not in their scope even when we’ll pay for double.  For one night a week there’s a shift change at bed time and one caregiver stays a bit longer to help and I pay her cash off the clock. At least I don’t have to cut my husbands and my date night short right at dinner time.  

Recently though, not sure if she has some kind of bug, it’s not going well.  Maybe it’s just her progression. Regardless,  I had the fire dept out to help me get her off the floor etc…two days ago and in the morning. My moms on hospice so they have been helpful with ideas.  Probably no more walker and only wheel chair which has its own set of difficulties. I ordered a couple different transfer belts cause the little gait belt does nothing. She’s like jello and won’t help at times.  My aching back needs a break, no pun intended.  (Already have a couple fractured vertebrae trying to heal) I know hospital bed is soon but I’m just trying to wait as long as I can. 

As far as caregivers go, not sure. Fortunately my husband and I live directly behind mom so my husband helps much, when he’s in town.  I’ve thought about seeing if there’s a neighbor that might help when he’s not in town.  But if there’s any mess involved it could be yucky. Because the two person assist is only needed for short periods it’s hard to find someone just to stop by.  

When mom could help with her weight more it was all about leverage. So I wanted someone here that was strong and tall enough to help.  Didn’t happen. I wasn’t that assertive in getting a change done though.  Hate rocking the boat.  

I was successful in getting a CNA hired through Care.com many moons ago..  I’m also a licensed CNA and it helps a lot.  We are trained in transfers. Maybe you could find someone like that with more experience.  

I’m so sorry we are all doing this and having to be here.  Please let me know if you find a working solution. 

live in daughter

Hi Fesk, just a couple of thoughts. You may want to look into a Sit to Stand machine. This machine will lift a person up into a standing position and one person can transfer the person to commode, bed, chair, etc.  This machine was a God send when our Mom started having mobility problems.

You may want to try a local nursing college- if some in your area. Sometimes nursing students may be willing to be hired for periods of time. 

Hope this helps.

Jo C.

There are various patient lifts that can help; the Sit to Stand; the Hoyer Lift and for bed care diapering, the Lavin Lift:  Videos showing each of those three different styles of lifts:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KA3G9ye80w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjSpyldImeI

 https://www.lavinlift.com/

Hospice covers lifts; non-Hospice Medicare does cover lifts at least partially, so it would be good to call Medicare contracted providers and ask about coverage for different lift types.

J.

​fesk

Thank you all for your replies and advice.

harshedbuzz - I can understand why many HHAs are reluctant to do this. In speaking with agencies in my area, they have told me since the pandemic has created a shortage of caregivers, the ones they do speak with are very particular about what assignments/responsibilities they want. She said they would do transfers all the time in the past. Now not so much.

m&m - I am sorry to hear you are going through this as well. I'd be interested to hear what type of transfer belt you find to be most useful. We are still at the point where my mom is doing most of the work. She can stand on her own and walk if you are by her side. She does not use a walker and we think that may only complicate the issue. I use a wheelchair whenever she is tired. PT is coming a couple of times a week and I have seen a mild improvement with her strength. I do think her medication is affecting her strength so maybe the doctor can address. I have used care.com and have been speaking with CNAs but there is a shortage so it's slow going. There's a lot to deal with behaviorally and physically so finding the right fit is difficult. Perhaps I can get some training myself. I'm sure there are videos I can look up. PT is also trying to help me with technique.

live in daughter and Jo C. - Thank you for the info and links. I have access to a sit to stand but I feel it is premature. I will use it when we are at that point but I don't think we are there quite yet. Safety is the priority so I will not hesitate to make the switch when appropriate.