How to transfer bed bound patients?

Are you tired of struggling with transferring bed-bound patients? Do you wish there was an easier and more efficient way to do it? Well, look no further because this article will provide some tips and tricks on how to transfer a patient comfortably, safely, and most importantly, hilariously.

Introduction

Transferring a bed-bound patient can be daunting for caregivers. The task becomes even more challenging if the patient is heavy or has limited mobility due to medical conditions such as paralysis or obesity. Improper transfer techniques could lead to accidents like falls, muscle strain injuries for both the caregiver and patient.

With that said, fear not, we have come up with practical recommendations that will aid in safe transfers. Whether assisting someone who just had surgery or dealing with long-term care routines – our easy-to-follow methods are designed to make handling less energy-draining for everyone involved!

Proper Planning Before Transfer

Before carrying out any movement procedure whatsoever when dealing with immobile people, preparations must be made beforehand

Get Necessary Equipment

• Wheelchairs; individualistic needs include specialized electric wheelchairs.
• Slider sheets/turning discs/easy move boards
• Adjustable beds/pillows/head support systems
• Hoists/Lifts/Sling machines (depending on level of dependence)
  Check your equipment before usage from time-to-time too!

Assess Patient’s Requirements

People have different preferences regarding what they would want during transportation hence;
1. Keep Communication Lines Clear & Open – Discuss beforehand about expectations during design planning/schedules/movements goals/problems arising/problem solving etc!
2. Observe Patient Physically: Check their size/body measurements/wounds/Airways/leg safety/storage compartments etc.

Adequate Staff Help

Finally, Don’t do it alone! Teamwork is fundamental
The Caregiver receiving pre-transfer skills training is another essential resource.

Transfer Techniques

Transferring bed-bound patients can be time-consuming and energy-draining. To make the whole process more manageable, consider these transfer techniques:

Log Rolling Technique

This technique is ideal for immobile patients. It involves rolling from side to side in a tight bundle motion.

1. The Caregiver stands beside the patient.
2. Place one hand under each shoulder blade; gently lift into their side till they are turned towards you /17′ angled /
   3.Have the Patient stretched across to provide alignment – then roll as it helps release spinal compression pressure!

Lateral Sliding Boards

Also known as glide boards or slider sheets, they’re easy-to-use lateral slide boards that allow ambulatory driving of non-ambulant patients over short distances without lifting them directly from their sleeping surface.

To use sliding boards:

1.Positioning of Beds should be against adjacent/adjoining walls whenever possible
2.Fold up both sides of bottom sheet on mattress
3.Place Slide board at edge positions of bed’s direction & lock brakes.
4.Roll Patient onto Board lateral moving top:
5.Apply traction pressure whilst Moving up/Elevating Board level towards Destination height-point (chair/wheel)
6.Lower /Ease Top Section/Glide Patent onto awaiting destination position e.g., wheelchair with no lifting

Stand-Assist Hoist/Standing Sling Aid

A standing sling was designed for semi-mobile individuals who need support when transferring between seated and upright positions—for example, people who have had hip surgery or those with lower limb muscle weakness

Steps Involved in stand assist equipment include;

• Position hoist/ stand-assisted gyroscopic robots next to bedding areas/windows spaces etc.
• Deploy hoisting cylinder vertically above your subject/patient
Deploy sling beneath user sitting gap-seat behind Lower back which Y cross-linkages straddle/Pull Forward
• Ask the patient to wrap their arms around your neck before lifting them out of bed and into an upright position.
The Hoist Automatically swings or swivels on its castor wheels with support for minimal disruption.

Ceiling or Floor-Based Lifts

Ceiling lifts, like Hoyer lifts or mechanical floor-based changing aids, are designed to be used by immobile individuals. These machines raise and lower people between lying down positions like a bed/mattress/ stretcher and wheelchairs/walkers/commodes bathrooms without him/her putting any weight onto their legs.

These types of transfers involve suspended harnesses that are connected with overhead tracks within many care settings/hospitals/nursing facilities

Repositioning Pillow Techniques ###

In some instances, it may not be necessary to transfer patients from one point to another when working with Heavy-Dependant-Patients especially those dealing with long-term conditions like coma/dementia/stroke etc., The idea here is repositioning techniques as opposed to carried-out movements rather than resident-bedding materials They also help redistribute pressure sore risks optimally.

Examples include:

1.The Knee Separator Pillow; meant specifically for turning during bed positioning:Good knee alignment is essential in reducing pressure sores since misalignment leads directly crucial tissue blood flow restriction/skin damage/
2. Thigh/Leg Rest supports: For elevation/restorative structure support
3.Arm Chair structures resting pillows aimed at keeping shoulders retractively rested promotes optimal spinal flexibility

Precautionary Measures & Safety Tips

Again! Safety should always come first. Therefore following these precautions ensures we avoid incidents
General Health/Safety Concern should Implemented After taking Careful Considerations/results from medical history;

Check Lifting Weight Limits

Heavy-Lift Attempt beyond designated limits set Injured Patient/Caregiver – severe back pains = complete drawback

Use Properly Functioning Equipment

Most Mobility aids like Sliding Mats/ Hoists/Wheelchairs etc. can malfunction, ultimately causing accidents

Appropriate Staff Training

The right training for Caregivers provides fundamental understanding on dealing with emergencies during transport/hostage-syndrome/hyperthermia risks water-borne infections.

Support From Family/Friends & Experts

Families are the main support lines regarding transportation of Bed bound individuals without them a sense of hopelessness arise hence Hired professional Consultation from personnel such as Occupational Therapists/Social workers/Physiotherapists help navigate through efficient movement Applications concerning Therapy and/or Palliative care/Hospice.

Conclusion

We’ve explored various techniques designed to provide comfortability and ease when transporting immobile patients, including repositioning pillows, ceiling or floor-based lifts, standby/aide hoist equipment techniques; all aimed at making moving effortless not only for the patient but also caregiving team involved!

Don’t forget! Teamwork makes everything easier, and communication is important. We urge you to follow appropriate precautionary measures whilst working with mobility-impaired/poorly-dependent-bed-bound Patients by taking into consideration their physical requirements pre-assessment together with Overall Health & Safety concerns should be implemented after taking careful considerations/results from medical history reviews whenever possible.

So now, Armed with these sustainable tips that we have provided you can approach bedbound-patient transportation issues relieved!