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My in-laws live in a home that was built in the 1950's and there isn't much room in the bathroom. They recently remodeled it to accommodate my FIL's wheelchair but there isn't much room between the toilet and the shower. The shower can accommodate a wheelchair but there is a soffett above the entrance to the shower. Don't have the actual measurements though. Does anyone know what the measurements need to be? I know there is a lift that a metal bar of sorts is put into the ceiling; this is out of the question as far as my MIL thinks, so the lift will have to be on a stand. Also, is it difficult to transfer a very elderly man whose legs do NOT support him from the toilet to the lift or the lift to the toilet?

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Is he currently being slinged for transfers? There are ceiling track systems that could handle him from chair to toilet to shower (the soffett would have to be cut out but that is not major remodeling). If he has any leg strength there are other options. There is a "liftchair for the toilet" that lifts the seat 13" and tilts like a liftchair- essentially gets someone 90% standing making a transfer to a chair or transfer bench easier. Don't know the exact layout of the bathroom but there are "tub lifts" that raise/lower people- you don't have a tub but it may still work to transfer into the shower. There are small size "shower wheelchairs" that may do the trick. Just suggesting some things that could help.
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Hi FriendlyBedGuy, Thanks for your response. No, he isn't being slinged for transfers at this point. He's 101.5 so you can understand his situation; legs do not support him at all anymore. They have a lift-chair recliner that he can no longer use so that tells me that a liftchair for the toilet might pose a problem as well. One of the problems is that he is bigger (heavier)than each of the caregivers. They eliminated the tub to allow room for a shower that he can be rolled into. My MIL is now looking for a shower seat with wheels.....can't believe that they want more than $300 for it - that's just absurd to ask so much for medical equipment especially when so many seniors are on fixed budgets. Guess Medicare might help but still....

Personally, and I'm just the DIL, I think the situation is at the point where either a lift is used or he will need to be bedridden for his safety as well as that of the caregivers. I know this isn't a pleasant option but I just can't imagine things continuing as they are for much longer and someone not getting hurt. One of the other concerns about using a lift is will he be able to handle the adjustment; anything new poses a problem for him (some dementia) and I would think a lift might be scary if nothing else.
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ReverseRoles- hey it's me again. I wish you well in your struggles and I can suggest another unknown product you should check out. It is a simple item that could help you turn your mother and should reduce risk of injury to yourself- check out the Turn2 Turning Aid- google "Turning Aid" and you can find info. I run into lots of helpful products at tradeshows, etc.- hope this helps!
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Thanks Lilly and Friendly, I hoyer Mom into her wheelchair and take her to the kitchen to be with all of us in the evening for dinner. We try and do as much as we can and took her and her hoyer to the lakehouse 3 times this summer.She has no idea where she is but we need to get away sometimes. It was so much work it was incredible but so worth it for a change of scenery. I do not use the gaitbelt because it rides up her sides and breasts and I cant put it too tight and loosen it to sit her. I will try and find you Friendly and btw you two, I just talked to Turn2 and ordered that item today so I should be able to turn her when my husband isnt home now I hope, thanks again!!!!!!!!
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FriendlyBedGuy: I went & watched the video for the Turn2 Turning Aid. Such a simple idea, but it appears to work. I'm going to order some to try. I can see how they would be helpful too when trying to position my father to prevent pressure sores. I still would not want my 77 year old mother to use them to reposition him, but can see how they would help all the rest of us. Thanks for your help.
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There is a different style of lift called the EasyPivot that will work in smaller spaces; some of my families with a patient with muscular dystrophy can use that. It is good to be able to get out of bed if at all possible, I commend you for not just settling for your loved one becoming bed-bound with bed baths and diapers. PT and /or OT home eval and training how to use any lift, or just seeing what other ideas they might have would be a very good idea if you can get it.
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FriendlyBedGuy, THANK YOU very much for that information. I have been trying to think on how to make something just like that but of course never did. Do you recommend the disposible ones or reusable? I could use this to change her and put the hoyer sling under her. You have made my night, thanks again.
Now, if you can tell me how to hoyer Mom on and off the toilet and remove her diaper and redress her I would be golden! lol THANKS!
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Wow! I could take some lessons from Riversoles, the Hoyer-Pro! Maybe you can make an instructional video sometime!
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RR- bedroom products is what I am involved with but I try to offer help anywhere. The "Port-a-Lift" there which is a very interesting transfer device. I talked a long time with the company owner and got a lot of details. Not cheap but actual transfers look pretty easy. Has to be "sitting to sitting" transfers however.
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Ya, I should make a video because while Medicare pays for it and the pharmacy delivers it, no one teaches you techniques needed for the tricky maneuvers. Its been months of practice but havent mastered removing the diaper in it yet, haha. I will look up the Portalift, thanks!
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