I may go up to Shell Beach this weekend, and I’d like to give my aunt an uncle a little bit of a break, so they can at least go to church or otherwise get away for a few hours.
I can’t imagine that this is something that I can’t handle, but if I get to take over for a while I’ll need to help my grandmother with bathroom breaks, etc. They say she weighs about 130-135 pounds, whereas I’m around 125, 5’1″, and strong for my size (which is saying next to nothing, I realize).
So: how much should I be able to bench-press to handle this? Or is that the appropriate metric?
This isn’t a lifting issue; it’s a leaning issue. I should think that I would be able to handle someone just north of my own body weight, if I remember my T’ai Chi stance, stability and balance, and so forth.
Thoughts?
; ?>/images/user.png)
; ?>/images/email.png)
; ?>/images/feed.png)
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Depends on whether or not a walker of some sort is involved. Also whether or not there is a “potty chair” by the bed or if the patient is using a regular toilet, one with a frame around it, – ok you get the general drift. I have a sister dying of cancer, and we spent a long weekend making her house handicapped accessible. Also worked with dad in law after surgery.
In general, I can help my sister to restroom with aid of her walker.Also had experience with my late father in law after hip replacement surgery. Again, assisting with , but not having to do all the supporting of. If you are doing all of the lifting with absolutely NO help from your patient, hmmm.. I would not recommend it. Can you talk to your relatives and ask how they do it? I think you are AWESOME for wanting to help out – just don’t want you hurt your back, and think you are smart to ask first.
As far as practical how to, would need more info to help you out there.
And yeah, if it’s just leaning you should be good. I could get my father in law to restroom seat, and he out weighed me by about 8o pounds at least. Your balance from Tai Chi should help a bit.
Call me. Margaret was three inches taller and weighed more than I did. After she became paralyzed from the chest down, I was trained to transfer her at the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, D.C. I’ll explain.
Cynthia
Lean forward, facing her, and have her grab hold of your neck. Stand up.
Let leverage do the work.
Your hands are free to adjust clothing etc. Or to grasp her lower back to complete the lift.
I have experience, 1984-2007. You know where to write.