When transferring a resident from bed to chair which muscles should you use

If your loved one will use a wheelchair, you need to know about transfers. For safety’s sake, learn how to help your loved one in and out of the wheelchair. One basic method is shown here.

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1 Sit the patient up:

• Lock the wheelchair.

• Help the patient turn over onto his or her side, facing you.

• Put an arm under the patient’s upper back with your hand supporting the shoulder. Put your other hand behind the knees.

• Swing legs over the edge of the bed, helping the patient to sit up.

2 Stand the patient up:

• Have the patient scoot to the edge of the bed.

• Put your arms around the patient’s chest and clasp your hands behind his or her back.

• Support the leg farthest from the wheelchair between your legs, lean back, shift your weight, and lift.

3 Sit the patient down:

• Have the patient pivot toward the chair, as you continue to hold on. Always transfer toward the person’s stronger side.

• As the patient bends toward you, bend your knees and lower the patient into the back of the chair.

Take care of your back

Lifting a patient can be hard on your back. To reduce the risk of a back injury, remember to do the following:

• Organize the steps in your head before you move.

• Explain the steps of the move and ask the patient when he or she is ready to move.

• Keep your knees bent and your back straight.

• You may use a transfer belt to provide a firm hold, rather than clasping your hands behind his or her back.

  Taking care of a spouse or family member at home can be both emotionally and physically challenging. Meeting the physical demands of lifting, turning, and transferring a loved one can put both patient and caregiver at risk for injury.

  The most common injuries caregivers experience are to the back, neck, and shoulders, and are often caused by overuse — repeating the same lifting or pulling motions again and again.

  Caregivers are at greatest risk for injury when they are:

  • Pulling a person who is reclining in bed into a sitting position.
  • Transferring a person from a bed to a wheelchair.
  • Leaning over a person for long periods of time.

  Using proper lifting techniques can help prevent injury. This article provides some general guidelines for lifting and transferring patients safely. Many communities and local hospitals provide training to help non-professionals properly care for a family member at home.

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  Lifting Techniques

  Some general guidelines to follow when you lift or move a person include:

  • Keep your head and neck in proper alignment with your spine; your head, neck, and back should be as straight as possible.
  • Maintain the natural curve of your spine;  bend with your hips and knees, rather than from your back.
  • 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.
  • Use the muscles in your legs to lift and/or pull.

  If the person is uncooperative, too heavy, or in an awkward position, get help.

  Sitting Up in Bed

  To move a person who is lying in bed to a wheelchair, put the chair close to the bed and lock the wheels.

  If the person is not strong enough to push up with their hands to a sitting position, place one of your arms under the person's legs and your other arm under their back.

  Move the person's legs over the edge of the bed while pivoting their body so that the person ends up sitting on the edge of the bed.

  Keep your feet shoulder-width apart, your knees bent, and your back in a natural straight position.

  Sitting up in bed

  Standing Up

  If the person needs assistance getting into the wheelchair, position the person's feet on the floor and slightly apart. Face the person and place their hands on the bed or on your shoulders.

  Your feet should be shoulder-width apart with your knees bent. Place your arms around the person's back and clasp your hands together. Hold the person close to you, lean back, and shift your weight.

  Nurses, physical therapists, and others in hospitals often use lifting belts fastened around a person's waist to help with these types of movements. The caregiver then grasps the belt when lifting the patient.

  How would you transfer a resident from a bed to a wheelchair?

  Use your legs to lift. At the same time, the patient should place their hands by their sides and help push off the bed. The patient should help support their weight on their good leg during the transfer. Pivot towards the wheelchair, moving your feet so your back is aligned with your hips.

  What is the proper way of moving and transferring patients?

  Moving a Person Avoid letting the person put his arms around your neck or grab you. Use a transfer belt to balance and support the person. Place transfer surfaces (wheelchair and bed) close together. Check wheelchair position, brakes locked, armrests and footrests swung out of the way.

  When lifting or assisting a resident in a transfer you should?

  Reach under his or her arms and hold on to the gait belt. Keep your knees bent in front of the resident's knees. ✦ Gently rock with the resident to get momen- tum. Count to three and pivot the resident to the bed.