Hello - a family member (30 years into PD, newly diagnosed with early dementia) - is now generally not able to get up when falling. Because his supported accom have withdrawn use of a hoist, he’s increasingly locked in a cycle whereby paramedics are called and he gets taken to hospital due to excessive caution. Unfortunately his nearest family is 3 hours away, and this often happens late at night.
Does anyone have any tips for what carers could do to help him back in chair/bed without a hoist? Thanks in advance.
Hi, Nuno64. Firstly, welcome to the forum!
Secondly, we’re really sorry to hear about the situation your family member is facing - it sounds incredibly tough for everyone involved. It’s great that you’re looking for solutions to help make things easier for both your family member and the carers.
There are a few things that might help, but it’s important to always check with a healthcare professional before trying new techniques to make sure they’re safe for your family member.
The organisations listed here can provide more information about daily living equipment that may help people with Parkinson’s.
And there’s also a page dedicated to equipment recommendations for getting in and out of bed that you might find useful, including alternatives to hoists.
Please know that you can also call our free, confidential helpline for support and advice: 0808 800 0303. Our trained experts and specialist nurses are on hand anytime between 9am and 6pm Monday to Friday, and 10am and 1pm on Saturdays.
Wishing you and your family all the best. It’s clear that you’re doing everything you can to support them! Take care 
Parkinson’s UK Moderation Team
The council in our area have a community store that can provide a hoist to patients in the community? Ask the PD nurse if she can contact your community store in your area to provide a hoist ?
Thanks but there is a hoist in his care home. The carers though have been told not to use it as the charity (that runs the home) is afraid of injury claims.
They also say this is a growing trend in care homes…
I would have thought that manual handling of a patient would be risky? I wonder if Parkinson’s uk should investigate the procedure that they have put in place.
I would agree with Lar, Nuno84, the risk to both the individual and the people assisting in moving and handling when that individual is largely unable to help him or herself is infinitely greater to all than using a hoist (by which I am assuming you mean a mobile hoist) or any other equipment intended to help in this. Hoists are perfectly safe but staff do need to be properly trained, confident and competent in use of this equipment. They need to be alert at all times, for a variety of reasons you rarely get a text book ‘lift.’ They also need to understand that a hoist is not meant to be used to get from one end of the building or room to the other. A hoist is for the safe transfer of an individual from say the toilet to a wheelchair. or from a wheelchair to an armchair. There should also be a moving and handling form completed for each individual stating how they should be moved.
I think the home should be more afraid of injury claims by the hoist not being used than if it is used by well trained staff. If they are saying this is a growing trend in care homes, I think that is indeed a cause for serious concern.
Tot
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The question would be who owns the hoist and staff training, I wonder if the council supplied a hoist if that would change the responsibility and insurance aspect ?
Thank you for sharing your situation. Falls in advanced Parkinson’s with dementia can be very challenging, especially when a hoist is not available. Carers can help by:
- First checking carefully for injuries before moving the person.
- Encouraging the person to slowly crawl or scoot to a sturdy chair or bed if they are able.
- Using transfer belts or asking for two-person assistance to provide safer support when helping them up—avoiding lifting alone to reduce injury risk.
- Making the environment safer with grab rails, sturdy armchairs, good lighting, and clear walkways.
- Requesting a professional assessment from an occupational therapist or physiotherapist who can train carers in safe transfer techniques and recommend helpful equipment.
If falls continue to lead to hospital visits, it may help to ask supported accommodation to reassess policies and consult with allied health professionals. Parkinson’s UK also offers helpline support for practical advice and emotional support for families and carers.
Please remember never to move the person if you suspect injury, severe pain, or confusion, and call emergency services in such cases. We hope this helps, and you are very welcome to reach out for further guidance.