[bob-heitzman]

Do you have the option of getting the paper Rx while at the clinic? A bit of a hassle to deliver it yourself to the pharmacy, but the refills should go through OK.

[bob-heitzman]

I use a cover that folds and placed a loop made of string in the hinge, and then I use the string to drag the tablet from one surface (surface to lap, orient the tablet to pickup, etc.) to another. Not perfect.

[bob-heitzman]

I’d like to see one of the davit style pool chairs with just a spreader bar instead of (or addition to) a seat. That way you could use a sling for the transfer. I guess it might be hard to get the sling on properly in the water.

[bob-heitzman]

I use Mercury Reader which tries to change the formatted page to plain text. Great for sites that are over animated and jump around as you are trying to read them.

[bob-heitzman]

Great episode! I think I liked it so much because it reinforces what I do!

I found the Quip is best so far and I’ve tried several variations.

Flossers are critical IMO, I’m getting great checkups with the Quip and flossing.

Try these: GUM Angled Flosser Picks, 75 count  on Amazon or direct from GUM. I find they work very well with my weak hands.

Also, try using about 1/3 of the toothpaste as you used in the video.

For mouthwash, I use a sample size container, swig, spit into a cup.

Keep up the good work!

[bob-heitzman]

Regarding ceiling lifts: There are other options besides the ceiling mounted track. Here is a good review of some alternative configurations. These either use free standing frames or attach to the walls instead of the ceiling. Ceiling mounts are probably the most expensive way to go because of the installation. The ceiling track is nice if you have a wider area to cover, but the alternatives work well for overbed.

I use a “pressure fit” two pole (I use the ens from Sierra Medical with a C300 lift motor) over my bed. There is an issue with a pole in the middle of the room, but you get used to it.

I used to have a DIY lift in my bathroom. I used U-Strunt available at Home Depot and a trolly and shelf brackets from McMaster. I placed plywood backing plates on opposite walls and attached the brackets in the proper position.

[bob-heitzman]

Looks like phot didn’t work, here’s a link.

[bob-heitzman]

I have used a U sling for several years. I sill have good trunk control so I use one’s without head support. My source Best Care LLC. I use the one they call Hoyer Replacement (not sure why.)

Note that “padded” slings add some stiffening to the sling fabric so it is easy to manage, it isn’t padded for the patient. The stiffer fabric makes it easier to don the sling when you are seated in a chair – I remove the sling once transferred.

Modifying slings: I wouldn’t.

You probably already know this but the loop choices allow you to be almost upright (outer most loop) to near supine.

Sliding through: The sling is not placed low enough on your body, the bottom of the back of the sling should be touching the seat (if supine in bed probably at the tail bone.)

I can sit up w/o support so I have the caregiver get me upright on the edge of the bed. From this position or while seated in a chair, the caregiver can lift your thigh and slip the sling under your thigh. If possible slide forwards a bit in the chair to make it easier to get the sling under your thigh.

PS On the Best Care LLC site there are some photos of someone using the Hoyer sling. I noticed a few errors: I think the sling is a size too large, on mine the sling fabric wraps to about mid-thigh; the sling is too high on her body and she is partially “sliding through”; they didn’t place all the straps on a hook, while the sling still works there might be an issue if the “slide through” feeling happens – you may actually slide through!

I’d suggest you give the “hoyer” sling, with head support, from Best Care LLC.  I buy mine through phc-online. Filter by brand, last page. They call it BestCare Padded U Sling with Head Support.