The woman I care for cannot stand on her own. Do I tell the family?

I would think the family already knows this--that's why they hired you!! Sounds like she needs to go to a nursing home

Definitely ask them to witness the trouble standing. Make the call.

Yes I also think that the family members should be notified. Not only is it wrong to keep them in the dark, it is also putting you at risk for injury. The family could possibly be able to provide mobility items for you to utilize, thus making the patient's care easier on you, and your patient. At this stage it is all about making the patient comfortable as possible, and also important keeping you healthy, and the family updated.

As the daughter of a ALS and AD patient (82 yrs old), I would have appreciated being notified. I had to find out on my own. We had a Hoyer Lift collecting dust in the dining room, waiting to be used. I wonder if they thought I preferred them lifting her by the armpits. It's quicker to lift with the Hoyer Lift, but she could get injured.
So glad we're using the Hoyer Lift, now. It's easier and no one will injure the back this way. (I broke a couple blood vessels in my eye trying to lift her onto the toilet. Just before Halloween, too! Lol.)

Yes, by all means. I hope that you are giving them an update every day and that you would include that valuable piece of information in that update. They could then either work with you in the transfer if possible, or buy equipment that would help.

If she cannot stand on her own already, how are you coping right now? Do you carry her to the toilet? Drag her? Use a bedpan? Is the lack of ability to stand a NEW DEVELOPMENT or has it been going on for some time and you just now want to say something. The family certainly needs to know.

There is a new product that may be helpful. the company is Simple Homecare supply and the product is EZ-Up Stand Assist.

Of course you tell the family. What would you accomplish by not letting them know the condition of their family member? There are walkers, bedside toilets and even lifts that might help.