There are many challenges you will face as a caregiver when providing in-home care.  Some, such as companionship, can be time consuming but fairly simple and even rewarding if you have the desire and pre-disposition for it.  However, others are not and one in particular can be very difficult and even strenuous such as moving and transporting the patient.

In many cases, the patient may have limited mobility and will require assistance to move about, get up and out of bed & chairs, or use the toilet.  They may also need assistance getting in and out of transportation to medical appointments and other activities.

In some cases, the patient may be unable to assist themselves very much or not at all.   They may also be quite heavy and care must be given to insure that you do not injure the patient or yourself when attempting to move or assist them.

As a good caregiver, you should understand that the patient is often aware of their limitations and can be frustrated and even embarrassed by them.   It is important for you to be patient and supportive in this regard and help them feel at ease.

It can be frustrating for you too if you do not know how to handle your patient properly and ensure that you are also protecting yourself from possible back injury or other potential injuries.

Caregiver Safety Tips:

• Maintain the proper alignment of your head and neck with your spine.
• Maintain the natural curve of your spine; don’t bend at your waist.
• Avoid twisting your body when carrying a person.
• Always keep the person who is being moved close to your body.
• Keep your feet shoulder-width apart to maintain your balance.
• Work as close to patient as possible to avoid stress of leaning.

Before you plan to lift the patient, you should check your patient’s condition first.

Physical capabilities:

• Check to see if the patient can assist with transfer
• Check the patient’s weight and physical condition
• Determine how many caregivers are required to safely transfer the patient

Mental status

• If the patient is alert, ensure that the patient is able to understand and follow your instructions
• Make sure the patient is ready to be transferred

After you determine the patient’s condition, you can begin the step-by-step process of transferring your patient.

1. Sit the patient up on the bed.
2. Lock the wheelchair close to the bed; make sure it will not move away when you lift the patient to it.
3. Help the patient turn over.
4. Put an arm under the patient’s neck with your hand supporting the shoulder blade; put your other hand under the knees.
5. Swing the patient’s legs over the edge of the bed, helping the patient to sit up.
6. After the patient is in a sitting position on the edge of the bed. Put your arms around the patient’s chest and embrace your hands behind his/her back. Or you can use a gait belt.
7. The patient’s knees should be between your legs. Support the leg farthest from the wheelchair between your legs, lean back, shift your weight, and lift.
8. Have the patient pivot toward the chair, as you continue to embrace your hand around the patient.
9. As the patient bends toward you, bend your knees and lower the patient into the back of the wheel chair.

By knowing these step-by-step techniques for transferring a patient from a bed to a wheelchair, it can help prevent injury to both you and your patient.  Make sure you understand the proper methods and have experience, as well as the assistance of another, when attempting to move or lift a patient who is a dead-weight or weighs more than you do.  Be patient and take precautions to ensure that you do not drop your patient or cause any injury to the patient or yourself.

Sources:
http://www.mountnittany.org/articles/healthsheets/5114,  http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00096