A move as
basic as getting in and out of a chair can be difficult for a senior,
depending on their age, flexibility, and strength. The height and stability
of the chair or other sitting surface also plays a role in the successful
transfer. A slightly raised seat is preferable to one that is low or deep.
Following are the basic guidelines for safely assisting a senior in both
standing and sitting.
Sitting to Standing Transfer
Scoot the
person you are assisting toward the front edge of a chair, bench, or bed
with their feet flat on the floor.
·
Make sure
feet are positioned approximately shoulder width apart and slightly behind
the knees.
·
Gently
help shift the senior's weight forward (over the toes) while they push up
with both hands on the armrests of the chair or off of the bench or bed.
Standing to Sitting Transfer
·
Before
assisting a senior in sitting down on a surface, make sure they position
themselves so that the backs of their legs touch the edge of the chair,
bench or other surface.
·
Have them
reach back for the armrest of the chair, or for the surface of the bench (or
a grab bar if available).
·
Seniors
should then lower themselves slowly, making sure the hips are adequately
bent for a soft landing.
Getting In and Out of Bed
Assisting a senior getting in and out of bed
can be a challenging transfer. Completing it slowly and problem solving with
the best technique will help ensure success. You may wish to invest in an
electric bed or a wedge to place at the head of the bed to provide an
incline and help facilitate transfers. The senior in your care will have an
easier time transferring in or out of bed toward their stronger side. There
are numerous techniques dependent on the condition of the elderly person.
Here are some of the more common techniques.
Log Rolling
·
Make sure
an elderly person is positioned on their back near the edge of the bed (12
to 18 inches). Assist them in bending both knees up so the feet are flat on
the bed.
·
With both
knees up, the person will roll as a unit or "log" onto the side closest to
the edge of the bed.
·
Bringing
the legs down off the bed, the top arm helps push into the bed while the
bottom arm bears the weight on the elbow and forearm.
·
Push up
onto an extended arm and into a sitting position. Stand as described in the
Sitting to Standing Transfer above.
·
Reverse
for lying down.
Trunk Flexion
·
The
success of this technique depends on abdominal strength, trunk and upper
extremity flexibility.
·
With the
senior positioned on their back, the trunk rotates to one side while flexing
forward to position the elbows underneath.
·
With arms
positioned behind and out to the side of the trunk, push up until arms are
straight.
·
Walk the
legs toward the edge of the bed.
·
As the
legs are sliding over the edge of the bed, the arms push forward so that the
senior is sitting at the edge of the bed with feet flat on the floor.
·
Follow
instructions above for
Sitting to Standing Transfer.
Once out of a bed or chair the destination of
the elderly person will often be the bathroom. As a caregiver you may wish
to know the basics for
safely assisting seniors in the bathroom.
Some General Rules
Finally, there are a few general guidelines
that apply when assisting in the completion of any transfer:
·
When
assisting in the transfer of seniors never pull on their arms or under their
shoulders.
·
Use a gait
belt secured around their waist to assist them.
·
Explain
each step of the transfer and allow the senior to complete it slowly.
·
Give
physical assistance and verbal cues to the senior during the transfer.
·
Allow time
for the senior to respond and follow through.
If you are having difficulty with transfers and
mobility issues it is recommended that you consult a physical therapist or
occupational therapist to evaluate your situation and provide treatment and
recommendations.
source caregiverzone.com
