Progress not Perfection

Sun_Addict

He’s had another fall 😞 This time partly his own fault as he was shuffling about in shoes that he’d trodden down at the back rather than put them on properly 😞 Thankfully it didn’t take long to get him up. Managed to manoeuvre him to the stairs and he pulled himself up from there using the rails. 

I realised what would be handy is a board on wheels or something I could slide him on. 

He has agreed he needs to start exercising his arms and legs to strengthen them. I’m going to find him something chair-based on YT. 

How he doesn’t break a bone when he falls is a miracle, although he does have a fair bit of excess packaging to protect him. 

Cherryfudge

I've worked in care a long time and we were trained not to lift people who'd fallen, for several reason: firstly, they may have an injury, so if they can't get themselves up, they should be medically assessed.* Secondly, we might do ourselves an injury - either suddenly or over time (the diagrams of spinal disk herniation would put anyone off, I don't recommend looking). Thirdly, because we had other ways of getting people up, like the inflatable cushions or mobile hoists (the latter are powerful but struggle with some of the odd corners people fall into). That's why I'm thinking the inflatable cushion might be a good option, though the best thing would be for Mr SA to build up some strength... but I appreciate he's not the best at keeping applying himself.

So I'm sitting here 'watching', and feeling for you in a big way SA. I've occasionally been in similar circumstances when Mum got stuck, and it's harrowing on the nerves as well as having a tendency to happen when you just need a good night's sleep. The way I see it, you've tried various things but they require more compliance than he can give. So, the next step is finding a way to limit the damage. You may already have seen this which might reduce costs - but if possible get a medical assessment of what's needed because the wrong equipment is a waste of money. And keep records of all the things that are happening - all types of accidents, extra sleep, even the unnecessary phone calls he makes. It's all in support of the optimum outcome. And remember that while you generally have your daughter's help, she may not always be fit enough to help out - in fact there's the potential for both of them to need you at once, so that's another reason to push forward with any help you can identify.

And at that point a big hug, just because.

And it does seem there are good services around, but coverage is patchy.

* When it comes to hidden injuries: my Mum's neighbours got her up when she fell in the kitchen. A few weeks later she was in hospital for something else and I had a phone call from a bewildered and very apologetic nurse to say Mum had turned over in bed and her hip had broken. I explained about the neighbours helping, and the hospital was satisfied that explained the injury. The bone must have cracked and finally gave way a while later.

All that said, and on a slightly more cheerful note because care work can be hilarious, I once worked with a young woman who gained power by sitting on the floor and refusing to get up. Eventually I cottoned on what was happening and said 'Okay, call me when you're ready', and walked off (I knew she was safe). I risked a glance back and she was looking after me with a shocked expression: I don't think people often called her bluff!

beanielou

Oh no. 

Not the best. 

Sun_Addict

Thank you so much for this @Cherryfudge. The continuing healthcare is what he had in place when he was discharged from hospital with a full time carer. I had forgotten all about it but still have a copy of the assessment. I think he should be reassessed to see if there’s anything they can do to help. His mobility has definitely deteriorated in the past few years. On average I’m phoning for an ambulance 3 times a year plus all the times he falls but is helped back up. 

amber03

One of my neighbours occasionally had to phone for an ambulance when her DH kept having a fall. Once when he fell in the bath an ambulance that turned up had 2 female paramedics in it. They couldn’t lift her DH as he was really heavy, so they had to request another ambulance with 2 male paramedics in it. My neighbour was mortified over having 2 ambulances called but sadly there was no other way.x

ladyholly

Please do get in touch with the carers centre for some advice on getting help. I know mr SA is an awkward s** but where will he be if you get injured lifting him.
In our hospital nurses are not allowed to lift patients and when I worked in social care neither were we due to the injury risk.
  

PennysIntoPounds

Oh @Sun_Addict what a palaver, to put it lightly. I'm glad you were able to manage (again) on this occasion but I do worry about you doing yourself a damage and you and Mr SA just laying there unable to move until your DD appears. Wishing you all the energy required to chase the potential help options, tedious and disheartening though many routes may be (after a glass of rosè in blissful solitude and a good night's rest) x

Makingabobor2

Oh dear, just echoing other comments, you really must get help. You really can't try & help him up with no equipment or help. Maybe in the meantime, make sure he has suitable shoes, no trip hazzards & always uses a walker. My dad keeps one walker upstairs & one down,and a stairlift in between. 

Onebrokelady

Definitely try and get some help for when Mr SA falls . We don't pick patients up in the NHS specifically because it's such a risk for injury. 
I hope you are feeling less wobbly today. You also need to factor in more time for yourself ❤️

Sun_Addict

Morning all.

WFH again today, I've let my line manager know I won't realistically be able to work in the office until Friday when DD is off. I did toy with the idea of going in for just a couple of hours then come back home but as Mr SA is still fast asleep I've no idea how he's going to be this morning. I have a carer's passport in place and they're not officially monitoring where we log in from until April. I'm pretty certain there won't be any issues with me doing this.

I've noticed when the paramedics have attended his falls they don't attempt to get him up until they've thoroughly checked him over for injuries. 

I've had a good night's sleep and thankfully the dog didn't get me up in the night to go out. 

It should be NSD4 as I'm sure we can manage bread wise until the Mr M delivery tomorrow. Mr SA gets through so much bread it's unbelievable, 4 slices of toast for his breakfast, bread rolls/sandwiches at lunchtime then he wants bread again with his evening meal. 

Exercise today will be dog walking later this morning then again this afternoon plus Zumba class at 6pm. 

Tonight's dinner will be another case of using something up from the freezer/fridge/cupboard. I might be able to rustle up enough veg for a stir fry.