I know this is old, but as I am taking care of a cancer patient that is starting the end stages, he is just starting to use a wheelchair. I sit here in tears trying to learn to safely help him with what I know will be coming soon. I wanted to say thank you, and bless you for helping so many.
This is a very short but comprehensive video that covers most transfers with good visuals so viewers can actually see different movements. I usually encourage caregivers to "practice" their techniques on able bodied persons who are role-playing the disabled or infirm. It helps the caregivers and doesn't feel like "on the job training"
You should try the Roturner - it's a pivot transfer device that totally mitigates caregiver intervention so the patient doesn't have to rely on you to stabilize them. You can see it on the RU-vid Channel Jaide Products - ru-vid.com/show-UCll0zGjsgfTY6mcUsokDFPg
I love these video series! They are done in such a gentle, loving way. Great information. These videos bring back such challenging memories. Caregiving was so difficult for me when I cared for Rose. It was my love for her that assigned me to the role of caregiver- an untrained one! Rose developed dementia, and she became very mean. These videos are so important for caregivers! Thank you!
Yes dementia is a horrible horrible desease and i hate how ot changes people you care about sometimes I take it personal and have to remind me it the stupid desease acting out
The message of this video to prioritize caregiver safety is spot on. The techniques demonstrated are outdated and are no longer considered safe practices. Modern technology and techniques exist to physically assist dependent elders with safety, dignity, and comfort. The 2019 message of the video should be: if any situations arise where a caregiver MUST perform the unsafe techniques demonstrated, a PT or OT should first be consulted to determine the safest solution(s) and guide acquisition of critical tools and skills.
If you're a caregiver then upgrading the wheelchair can make a big difference. The ones they send you home with from the hospital are the bottom of the barrel. Yours should have removable footrests so you can get them out of the way during transfers. A seat cushion and backrest are also important. I'm still shocked to see many people in wheelchairs without any support. The principles of ergonomics that apply to healthy people are also valid for disables people. Also, if someone is sitting in a wheelchair for more than a few minutes, you should remove/move the footrests and have their feet planted on the floor. Keeping someone's feet elevated shortens the muscles in their legs and can affect already limited mobility.There is no silver bullet but more products are available now than ever before to help caregivers. You may not have the budget to have a physical therapist visit regularly but in our experience even a few sessions with a PT can make a huge difference. Ask questions, take notes (easiest to do in your phone these days, especially with screenshots/photos) and keep learning. Being a caregiver is very challenging but it gets easier with time if you have the right attitude and you make a point to get support from other family members.
At 1:50 she is holding the patient with her arms outstretched. She should be closer to the patient to save her back. I always push the foot rests to the side of the chair to get my body closer to the patient (load) to save my back. Try holding even 10 lbs of potatoes with arms outstretched - not good for the back. Also check the patients feet and put the foot closest to wheelchair forward of the other foot & slightly separated so they dont get tangled.
Sapphirexwind: Consider asking the doctor to authorize a visit by a physical therapist for "Transfer Skills Training." These videos provide some general guidelines but every individual is different, and it can be especially difficult when someone is no longer able to walk at all. There are some assistive devices like hoyer lifts and transfer boards that may be helpful, but a physical therapist can assess whether they would be appropriate to use with the person you're caring for. The physical therapist can also make sure you stay safe while helping the person transfer. (Sorry for delayed response, and your patience. We've been working on staff resources for responding to social media!)
In the beginning of the video during the transfer from the bed to the wheelchair, the wheel chair should be closer to the person and turned diagonal toward the bed for a shorter distance between the bed and the chair. If the person is able to assist you , the wheelchair can be placed on the person's strong side so they can hold on to the armrest and help pivot themself with your assistance towards the chair . Just make sure the wheelchair brakes are good so the chair doesn't move. I've done this for over 20 years as a PTA. And it saves your back.
We have five problems with my 85 year old Father. He has NO mobility in his legs at all, he is on a blood thinner that causes him to bleed if he is touched, he is extremely heavy, he has cancer in his spine, which has spread from his prostate, so his back hurts, and he is blind. He has a hospital bed, a commode and a wheelchair, but it is almost impossible to move him anywhere. He can' t even turn over in bed without help.
Most of these techniques are controversial in the UK; especially the pivot transfer where the client has their arms around the care givers neck, lifting someone using the underarm lift is also quite dangerous; there is bending and twisting from the caregiver where there is a huge risk of muscular-skeletal injuries.
+Moule's Movies Thanks for your comment. This video was created with an experienced Gerontologist specializing in dementia care and caregiving issues. The techniques in the Transfer Skills segment are widely used and have been reported to be helpful by caregivers. The "pivot transfer" technique specifically instructs the viewer to "avoid having his or her arms around your neck, you could fall that way." Also the video does not instruct the viewer to lift someone using their underarms. I believe you are referring to the part where Conni is gently lowering Jimmy into his wheelchair. At this point Jimmy is balanced with his hands on the arms rests and Conni has her hands on Jimmy's underarms to provide additional support. As this is happening, the narration is, "As you pivot, remember to keep the proper stance - back straight, knees slightly bent and weight balance evenly - now pivot and don't twist your body toward the destination." We are very aware of the importance of teaching caregivers correct transfer skills to avoid injury to themselves and the person for whom they are caring. - Michelle Venegas, L.C.S.W., FCA Director of Programs and Services
Moule's Movies.. I am with you! Even in these demo videos with a cooperative demo client, the caregiver's body mechanics are terrible.. might work for a while but unsustainable in the long run.. Once their legs (client) can not suppprt their weight things get dicey.. I don't care how many degrees you've got.. Btw most caregivers (people in general) are not all that fit to begin.. Proceed with caution.. it is your back..
I did this type of job when I was young . Taking care of patients.i don't know what my old age will b like who will take care of me in my old age.its scary
My client has ALS and has lost all function of her limbs and speech. I really struggle with transferring because at this point she is pretty much dead weight. The other aides have their own way of transferring but they haven't been working for me... I am much taller than them though. Hopefully I'll be able to find an easier way soon.
Too much body contact.. There is other skill u can do.. To avoid to much body contact.. If the elderly cant go to wheelchair u can ask them to hold on wheelchair if they still can using their legs..So u just need to assit them to turn their body around without hugging them... Its the most safe skill to avoid your getting backpain or fall down.. Especially if u have to handle many elderly..
