Relief Gives Way to New Problems

I appreciate all the helpful comments I received after writing about my dad’s fall.

It looks like he didn’t injure himself seriously. He’s home, and he will be seeing his primary care physician soon for a follow-up.

I am still researching ramps and so on.

I now think a ramp is a bad idea. Ramps are great for wheelchairs, but they aren’t a good solution for people who can still walk. It’s easier to walk up a few steps than it is to shuffle up a 10-foot ramp.

Right now, I’m looking into handrails. If he had handrails, he would be able to use the steps more safely. Also, nice handrails would be an improvement to the house. That’s saying something, because this is some kind of house. It’s very nice.

I have checked into tools for getting him off the ground. I’m very disappointed. The main thing that disappoints me is the price. Companies are selling $300 products for $4000, just because insurance pays for them. Human nature is really something. The other thing that’s disappointing is that they are generally made to lift people off beds. They generally won’t work for people who have fallen.

My initial solution to the problem was an air mattress. You stick it under the patient, which isn’t hard, and you turn it on. It blows itself up, lifting the patient to a convenient sitting height. I can plug it into his car’s AC outlet or a portable generator if he’s outside. I might do it. A good twin mattress would be light and handy.

I had another idea: a tubular A-frame with a manual lever hoist on it. Put it over him and crank the lever. Four pieces of aluminum tubing, a crossmember, a hoist, and a belt. It would work considerably better than a $4000 hoist, and it would be lighter and cheaper.

I believe the hospital made his condition worse. They wouldn’t let him move around. When you’re 86, the last thing you need is to lie in bed for two days. He seems stiff, and he has a harder time standing up. I didn’t see this coming. One more curve ball, courtesy of old age.

He now has trouble getting out of bed. I am hoping that’s temporary. Otherwise, I have to look at assisted living and attendants. There may be a good respite care place near me. That’s temporary assisted living, for people who are injured or ill. If so, that will be plan B, after keeping him here and hiring a part-time attendant.

I got him up, and I am having him walk and do his exercises. Hopefully, that will fix the problem for now.