I usually ask him to put his feet under him and make an effort at standing up while I grab under both arms with my right foot planted between his feet. He is getting more sluggish and less helpful so pulling him up off the chair (he weighs almost twice as much as I do) is nearly breaking my back. I am afraid that this will be the cause to have to place him in extended care and have permanent damage to my spine. Any suggestions would be helpful.
Bessie's advice is good if it works! If it doesn't, then is won't make things worse.
I am unable to lift my darling, even with a gait belt, but the firemen did it just fine.
I do have to bear her weight for her to go from the bed to the chair, but we are considering having her use the transfer slide boar again. With plenty of talc on it to stop skin friction, it makes it easier for both of us.
Life is a puzzle. The wise and the desperate figure it out.
Good luck, folks.
:)
She has very little upper body strength, more's the pity. The strength of her remaining leg is, alas, also extremely weak and her knee is shot.
I do what I can to be safe and to keep Gay [my wife] safe. She is a precious angel. She is 78 and I will be 80 in January. Fortunately, I do enjoy fairly robust health, apart from psoriatic and osteoarthritis. I have a chunky [pyknic body type] build and was very strong when younger. I think that helps me. You are quite right, and we both are aware of the danger of my being injured and rendered unable to help her. That must, as you say, not happen.
I have promised her that she will not dies among strangers but I will look after her at home until the end. We have been married almost 16 years. Her late husband was a beast to her [and to others], but she put up with his vicious ways for the sake of their children.
Thank you for your excellent advice. :)