How can I help my father get up from a fall without causing injury to him or me?

A fellow caregiver asked...

My father has a brain tumor which has made his left arm useless and weakened his left leg. He occasionally falls. With the weight gain from steroids, his weight is over 250 pounds. Is there somewhere I can go to learn how to safely - for him and me both - to get back on his feet?

Expert Answer

It sounds like your father is certainly dealing with a difficult combination of medical issues. I can't recommend highly enough that you and your dad see a physical therapist to help him learn safe ways of moving. A physical therapist can also teach you how to safely assist him. You can either go to see a physical therapist at a clinic or you can ask your doctor for a prescription for a "home evaluation." A therapist can come to your father's home and make suggestions based on how your dad negotiates his every day activities, like eating and sitting. A therapist can then make specific recommendations for home modifications, mobility devices, and techniques for safe mobility. I would also ask the therapist to specifically help you with your body mechanics and to give you techniques for the safest way to help your dad. If your father has had even one fall, it's a red flag that he needs to see a physical therapist, to keep both of you safe.