Hi everyone. I am new to the forum but my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 9 years ago. He has fallen occasionally in the past but is now falling frequently in the house (three times yesterday) despite having a stick and Zimmer frame. He is often confused and I think he forgets that he needs them. He is a solid man (ex rugby player) and I have huge difficulty getting him up again after a fall, even getting him into a position where he can help by getting his arms onto a footstool and then onto a chair from where I try to haul him up into a standing position. I am also conscious of the tremendous strain on my back and the fact that if I injure myself he would have to go into care of some sort as he could not live independently. My question is really about lifting aids. Has anyone any experience of aids which can safely be operated by one person? The only one I have found costs more than £3.5k which is too much for me to pay.
Hi and welcome to our friendly forum, @LindaJ. You’ll find the members here very supportive and I’m sure they will be along soon to tell you what they have found out there themselves.
This must be very worrying and challenging for you and it would be good to get some answers. Have you spoken to your husband’s GP or specialist about the increasing number of falls he has taken? I do hope they are able to help you with this.
We have helpful advice if you click on this link: Falls and dizziness | Parkinson's UK. The page looks at reasons for falling and ways to avoid them.
As well, our Helpline advisers are very knowledgeable and would be happy to offer you some support and information if you ring them on 0808 800 0303.
Best of luck,
Janice
Forum Moderation Team
Hi LindaJ.
Have you asked for a visit from the falls team? They might be able to help. I do know of one lady who had PSP. (Parkinson’s Plus) who had a gadget through occupational therapy to help her get up again after falling. Might be worth asking.
Additionally you could ask for physio to come out and work on balance etc. I’m afraid not much quality NHS physio about though.
Could you go privately for a while to give you a framework of exercises to do in the home. Generally turning is the vulnerable time especially when getting out of a chair, then turning left or right too sharply.
Hope this gives you some ideas to move forward with this problem.