In the early stages of my husband’s diagnosis his needs were minimal as he was able to do most things on his own. Then, he caught a virus and it hit him hard. He wasn’t able to get out of bed and was so weak he even needed help eating. I didn’t know how to turn him over in bed, let alone safely get him up and down. We didn’t have any tools such as a walker or wheelchair to use even temporarily nor did we have a shower seat so he couldn’t safely bath. The additional work and worry exhausted me as I tried my best but failed miserably.

As his primary support, I need to know how to help him move in ways that will not put me at risk. He is taller and heavier than I am, if I do the wrong thing, I could injure myself or we could both end up in a pile on the floor and then who would care for us? And, as his diseases progresses, there is a good chance that we will be at the point where he needs additional help, will I be ready to provide it?

I was able to find some answers through our local Parkinson’s support organization and through the Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities. Both of these groups provide training for family caregivers on safe techniques for lifting and moving another person. The classes they provide address helping someone in and out of bed as well as getting in and out of a chair or a car. I took the classes knowing that some of the skills would be used now, others might never be needed, but they are in my toolbox and waiting. I won’t be caught unawares again.

See Health Risks for Family Caregivers published by the Arizona Center for Aging.