May is ALS Awareness Month, a time designated to spread knowledge and advocate for a cure for ALS. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that results in severe muscle weakness.
As with other aspects of living with ALS, caregiving for a person with ALS changes as the disease progresses to different stages. In this article, we will discuss transfers.
We offer several items to assist in transferring the individual with ALS. The equipment you will need for transfers will likely change over time. The caregiver may go from lifting with no equipment to lifting with transfer belts to requiring an electric lift system depending on the stage of the disease. We sell a variety of transfer belts and slides for your particular situation.
The SafetySure Mary’s Aide Transfer Sling is made of comfortable woven nylon and fits on in a way that offers full control and security during the transfer process. With strong hook and loop straps and a hand grip in the back, the SafetySure Mary’s Aide Transfer Sling offers safety and reliability. You can also use it to assist in walking.
The Transfer Sling and Gait Belt is another alternative that offers a variety of places to grasp during a transfer. This belt supports the area under the thighs and the lower back with belts in the front for grabbing and lifting the individual. This belt supports individuals weighing up to 250 pounds.
Another kind of transfer aid is the SafetySure Transfer Sling. The sling has four handles in the front and simply slips around the back of the person you are caring for. For individuals with mild symptoms of ALS, a simple sling like the SafetySure Transfer Sling could be ideal.
It doesn’t need to be strapped to your loved one and offers an array of uses an possibilities. This makes it perfect for using around the house or on the go for vehicle seats and public spaces.
Finally, we should mention another transfer system: transfer boards. Transfer boards such as the SafetySure Transfer Board are great for sliding from the wheelchair to the bed and back. The SafetySure Transfer Board is made of transparent material, offering the caregiver an easier way to make sure the board is securely resting on a given surface.
As your situation evolves in transferring a person with ALS, our transfer slings and belts can help in a variety of circumstances.