Safe Transfers

As a result of a recent event, we want to remind all of our clients and caregivers of the importance of using safe transfer techniques and proper assistive equipment.  More than 20% of all workplace injuries are back injuries, and back injuries cause employees in the US to miss a total of 100 million workdays every year.  A recent study of nursing assistants found that they were transferring clients without help and without assistive equipment 96% of the time.  Safely transferring clients is a complex blend of body mechanics, proper technique, trust and cooperation.  If anything goes wrong, a client can fall causing great injury to both themself and their caregiver. 

Body mechanics are the way your whole body moves to keep its balance during movement and at rest.  When you practice good posture and use the right muscles to lift and/or transfer, you are performing your work with proper body mechanics.  If you will be transferring your loved one or client, please review the proper techniques (Proper Body Mechanics) as they can save you both from serious injury.

 Proper lifting procedures as well as the proper use of assistive equipment is critical for safe transfers.  These are in place for the protection of both the client and the caregiver.  When someone is unsteady on his/her feet, following are some examples of assistive equipment commonly available to improve safety:

• Gait Belts – The long, heavy, canvas straps are called a transfer belt, a safety belt or a gait belt.  They are used to help steady clients during transfers and ambulation.  They are very useful in steadying clients who are unsteady on their feet, and can be critical in prevention of a fall.
• Slide Boards – Slide boards are long, narrow boards with a smooth surface made out of wood or plastic.  They are used to transfer clients by serving as a “bridge” from one sitting surface to another. 
• Mechanical Lifts – such as a Hoyer Lift are often made of a metal frame and a heavy canvas sling.  The entire frame is usually on wheels.  These lifts are used to lift and transfer clients who have little or no ability to move or who are too heavy for standard transfer techniques.  You might use a mechanical lift to transfer a client to a bed, wheelchair, recliner, shower chair, bedside commode or bathtub.  Mechanical lifts are not designed to transport a client over distances.
• Wheelchair - The wheelchair is one of the most commonly used assistive devices to promote mobility and enhance quality of life for people who have difficulties in walking.  Unlike the other assistive devices mentioned which are used strictly as transfer devices, a wheelchair is a safe method of transport for a client over distances.

We understand that no one wants to admit that they or their loved one needs to depend on devices for safe transfers and ambulation.  They can be cumbersome and slow the process down.  Safety, however, is paramount.  Our caregivers are trained professionals who know the proper way to transfer clients.  They may be absolutely wonderful at taking care of others, but not so good at taking care of themselves.  In their effort to please a client or a family member, they may be dissuaded from doing the right thing and as a result suffer a fall or other incident that injures both the client and the caregiver.  It’s not fair to anyone, but it can enable serious injuries. 

If you or your family member or your client is a fall risk, it’s important to consider their changing needs realistically and regularly.  A gait belt may suffice initially, but eventually they may progress to needing more robust transfer assistance.  Be realistic about how much weight you can safely lift.  Get help if you need it.  If assistive equipment is unavailable or refused, you can also use several people to assist with the transfers. Safety first!

If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at 314-984-8650.  One of our nurses can help you develop the right plan for your loved one.