4 Tips To Help Family Caregivers Transfer Seniors
Clear The Way
Before your senior parent attempts to transfer out of bed make sure that everything is cleared from their path. Move chairs, clothes, shoes, and anything else that could get in the way. Also make sure that pets are confined in another room so that they can’t get in the way. It’s not unusual for senior and a caregiver to get hurt because a dog gets in the way during the transfer and everyone gets hurt trying to avoid the dog.
Let Them Do As Much As The Can
Encourage your senior parent to move themselves as much as they can. Once they have done all they can you can step in to support them and get them to the next step. But many seniors prefer to do as much as they can on their own. And it’s good for them to do as much as they physically can to move themselves. Just be ready to adjust your position to match theirs. Sometimes the best they can do means that you have to offer support from a physically awkward position.
Use Special Equipment If Necessary
There is no shame in using safety equipment if you need it. If your senior parent is very tall or is heavier than you can easily lift there is equipment that can help you make sure that you are protecting yourself as well as moving them safely. You’re not helping anyone if you can’t physically lift your senior parent but you try to anyway. Lifting a senior that is trying to help you is one thing, but lifting a senior from a sitting or lying down position when they can’t assist you at all is quite another thing. Always use safety belts and other equipment if you need to.
Always Lift With Your Knees
Anytime you’re lifting something in order to do it safely you need to squat down a little and lift with the power of your knees, not the power of your back or arms. In one fluid motion you should push up from the knees to lift your senior parent. That way you can avoid injuring your back or your shoulders because the bulk of the weight is being borne by your legs.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering personal care at home in New York City, NY, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts at Home – Manhattan, Brooklyn, Westchester, Queens, Rockland today. 212-201-6139
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