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My wife is 76 and her strength is deteriorating more rapidly as of late and she has trouble lifting her leg to get into bed without help.

A myMDteam Member asked a question 💭
Philadelphia Area, PA

Kathy suffers from FSHD and is only mobile with the use of assisted devices. I.e. walkers, mobile scooters etc. We have an adjustable bed but it is very difficult for her to even turn over. I am looking for any insight into supportive devices to help me pick her up when she falls or for her when she needs to lift her leg to get into bed. If I lower the bed, she can not lift herself up as it becomes to low and she does not have enough strength to lift herself up.

Thanks you in advance.

February 3
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A myMDteam Member

I know how to not be able to dleep where we want I have the same issues so instead of worrying about getting up to go to bed we tried letting me sleep on my lift chair if I fell asleep instead of waking me up my wife would go to bed an f I would be covered by a blanket and sleep there now that is our norm I sleep on mynlift chair in the family room and she goes to sleep in our bed with the kitties sometimes they'll come and sleep on me which I likebut look Mayfair the lift chairs are the same brands that med supply stores and furniture stores charge $15 hundred to$3,000 or more for why pay that when you can go to Mayfair snf getbthevsame chair wit heat and massage fo $500 or less? Any way that's what worked for me anf my wife

February 3
myMDteam

What supportive devices can help with lifting legs into bed and assisting with falls for someone with FSHD?

For getting into bed, there are several options that might help Kathy:

Leg lifters - These are straps or loops that attach to the foot, allowing someone to use their arm strength to lift their leg. This can be helpful Show Full Answer

What supportive devices can help with lifting legs into bed and assisting with falls for someone with FSHD?

For getting into bed, there are several options that might help Kathy:

Leg lifters - These are straps or loops that attach to the foot, allowing someone to use their arm strength to lift their leg. This can be helpful if upper body strength is better preserved.

Transfer boards - These smooth boards bridge the gap between wheelchair/scooter and bed, making it easier to slide across rather than lift.

Bed rails or grab bars - Installing sturdy rails on the bed can provide something to hold onto for repositioning and turning over in bed.

Orthoses (braces) - Ankle-foot orthoses or other supportive braces can help with leg positioning and may make movement easier. These devices won't cause muscles to weaken further and can actually help use remaining strength more efficiently.

For fall assistance, consider:

Patient lifts (Hoyer lifts) - These mechanical devices help caregivers safely lift someone from the floor or transfer between surfaces without straining. They come in manual and powered versions.

Transfer belts (gait belts) - These wrap around the waist and give you something secure to hold when assisting with transfers, though they require Kathy to bear some weight. Working with an occupational therapist would be really valuable here. They specialize in helping with activities of daily living and can assess your specific situation to recommend the right equipment. They can also teach both of you safe transfer techniques and may suggest home modifications for better safety and mobility.

Since FSHD affects different muscle groups in different people, personalized recommendations from your healthcare team will be most helpful for finding solutions that work for Kathy's specific pattern of weakness.

February 3
A myMDteam Member

Dear Jim and Kathy. See Amazon for LEG LIFT for getting leg up onto bed. I use one. I have same problem and also have an adjustable bed. However, like her, I can't turn over either. I have FSHD and use a walker at 83. My core is very weak. I need back supports. I'm using prescribed exercises, and stretching/some chair yoga movement.thru physical therapy and occupational therapy. I also use a scooter in our senior apt building and outside. Good luck. Diane Scher

February 4
A myMDteam Member

Sorry to write again the site is wayfair.com whe tou search for Power lift chairs the first one right off the bat is one with f course the lift but the massage and hear for $369.00 so if you like t o save money on quality products give it a shot
Blessings

February 4
A myMDteam Member

Amazon i found expensive try out wayfair/Mayfair thatb8scwherevi found the best deals and it is easy to put together you dont need tools its really easy you slip on the back and slip on the ams they are set in a way that they lock in place and if you need help their customer service is great Amazon's customer support cant hel with installation questions will only give you thr number for the company/ country.it came from everything from Wayfair/Mayfair I have the app but having trouble finding it after trying to download a pdf reader that has taken over my phone none on my quick links work but check Amazon then go to Wayfair or Mayfair since I cany find my link but I w a nt to s a y wayfait,Com and good luck I hope n it wotks for you likebitvdidvfor me and my mother

February 4

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