As long as your loved one is fairly independent, all is well. The time will come when they need you to physically help them. Getting up from a chair. Help with bathing, Help to get out of bed. Help with toileting.
Can you do it correctly and safely for both of you? Think about what can happen if you don’t know how to move and transfer someone correctly. You can wrench your back and then what? They can fall and hit their head or break a bone.
December 14, 2022
Maybe your mom can help you to move, right now. What happens when she can’t and is dead weight? Your dad is able to use safety bars to toilet and shower, right now, but what about over the next year?
Keep them safe and yourself healthy – Skills You Need
Not only do you have to figure out how to help them, but you also have to figure out how to keep yourself from getting hurt while helping them. Are you really in good enough physical shape to help them? Even if you are in great physical shape, do you have the knowledge and training to do the transfers and get them up safely?Did you know that there are online courses or videos to help you learn the skills needed?
There are some online courses or videos for you to access. It would benefit you and your loved one to view the videos and take a course or two. I am sure that many are on YouTube, but be careful to find out where their expertise came from. Educating yourself and learning new things will help you and your loved one. Be safe. Be safe for yourself. Be safe for your loved one. Learn how to put a gait belt on your loved one and how to use it appropriately. Be prepared to help them up from the floor after a fall. Do you know how to check for injuries Before moving them?Remember these essential safety tips
DON’T-
- Bend from your waist
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- Try to pull your older adult up
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- Ask them to hold onto your shoulders or neck
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- Let them use toilet paper holders, towel bars, or other non-sturdy items to help them sit or stand
