Safety Rules To Follow When Helping A Senior Transfer
When your senior mom or dad can’t easily move their body weight out of bed, into a chair, or bed at the end of the day they need help. Helping your senior parent move like this is called transferring. Transferring needs to be done with a focus on safety. Because your mom or dad can’t assist you in moving them you need to make sure that you’re protecting them and yourself from injury. Personal care at home services are specialized care for seniors that includes help transferring.
If you don’t feel comfortable providing this kind of help to your senior parent that’s ok. Personal care at home providers who have training and experience will help your senior parent transfer using specialized techniques and equipment designed for safety.
If your mom or dad is larger than you and you’re worried about your ability to support them during a transfer call now to find out more about personal care at home. Don’t take a chance with your mom or dad’s safety, or yours.
If you are going to transfer your mom or dad at home always obey these five safety rules for transfers:
Assess Mom or Dad’s Mobility and Needs First
Before you can transfer your senior parent you need to know how much they can participate in the process. Ask about their physical limitations, strength, and any medical conditions that may affect the transfer process.
For instance, seniors with severe mobility issues or balance problems may require additional support or specialized equipment. By evaluating these factors, family members can determine the safest approach and whether they need assistive devices like transfer belts, slides, or patient lifts.
Use Proper Body Mechanics
“Lift with your knees, not with your back” is an example of using proper body mechanics to move a large object. Using proper body mechanics is essential to prevent strain and injury for both your senior parent and yourself.
Family members should always keep their backs straight, bend at the knees, and use their legs to lift rather than their backs. Then, they can position themselves close to their senior parent to minimize reaching and twisting motions.
Communicate Clearly and Reassure
Clear communication is important during transfers to ensure your mom or dad feels secure and understands what is happening. You should explain each step of the process calmly and reassuringly, both before and during the transfer.
Use simple, direct language and count down to your start so that your senior parent is mentally prepared and comfortable with the transfer.
Use Assistive Devices and Equipment
Utilizing appropriate assistive devices makes transfers easier and safer. Devices such as transfer belts, slide sheets, and Hoyer lifts can provide additional support and reduce the risk of falls or injuries.
Transfer belts, for instance, allow caregivers to securely hold onto the senior and provide stability during the transfer. Slide sheets facilitate smooth movement across surfaces, while patient lifts can assist in lifting and moving individuals with minimal physical strain. Your senior parent’s doctor or physical therapist should be able to suggest the right transfer aids for your mom or dad.
Prepare the Environment
Make sure that wherever you are transferring your mom or dad is set up for them. If you’re helping them get into bed make sure the covers are turned down. If you’re helping them into a chair make sure the chair is in the right position and steady. Clear the area of any small rugs, debris, or clutter so you don’t trip while transferring.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care at Home Services in Gray GA, please get in touch with the caring staff at Angels of Mercy Private Homecare Services, Inc. today at 478-745-5111.
Angels of Mercy Private Homecare Services is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Macon, Warner Robins, Perry, Gray, Milledgeville, Forsyth, Cochran, Jeffersonville, Eastman, Fort Valley, and the surrounding areas.
Angels of Mercy Private Homecare has been providing in-home care services since 2002 throughout the Macon and Middle Georgia Area.
Angels of Mercy Private Homecare Services provides in-home care that improves the lives of the clients. Our services help them maintain the highest possible level of independent living. We provide In-home private duty care and care management services for seniors throughout the Middle Georgia area.
Our CNA (certified nursing aides), caregiver, and companion services allow our clients to age in the place where they feel most comfortable and secure - at home. Combine our Home Care Services, with our Geriatric Care Management component, and we provide the most comprehensive assistance for the Middle Georgia areas seniors.
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