1. BECKWITH RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT SERVICES LIFTS AND TRANSFERS

2. GENERAL RULES TO REMEMBER Never lift more than you can comfortably handle. Create a base of support by standing with your feet 8 – 12 inches apart with one foot on a half step ahead of the other. Do not let your back do the heavy work. If the bed is low, put one foot on a foot stool. This relieves pressure on your lower back.

3. MOVING A PERSON Step 1  Tell the person what you are going to do.  Before starting a move count with the person, “1,2,3.” Step 2  To feel in control, get close to the person you are lifting.  While lifting, keep your back in a neutral position, knees bent, weight balanced on both feet. Tighten your stomach and back muscles to maintain a correct support position.  Use your arms to support the person.  Again, let your legs do the lifting.

4. MOVING A PERSON CONTINUED Step 2  Pivot instead of twisting your body.  Breathe deeply.  Keep your shoulders relaxed.  When needing to give a lot of assistance with transfers, tie a strong belt or a transfer belt around the person’s waist and hold it as you complete the transfer.

5. BED TO WHEELCHAIR TRANSFER 1. Lock wheelchair. 2. Support students knees between your legs. 3. On signal, move individual to standing position with rocking motion; keep your knees slightly bent, back balanced. 4. Pivot and lower individual into wheelchair by bending your knees. 5. If individual must hold on to you, have him/her hold on to your waist and shoulder, not your neck.

6. PULLING INDIVIDUAL UP IN BED 1. Adjust bed height below your waist (if possible). 2. Work from side of bed, feet pointed in direction you’ll move individual. 3. Reach under individual’s shoulders and back and slide, don’t lift. 4. Ask individuals to help by pushing against mattress with feel/and or elbows. 5. Keep your feet wide apart, knees bent, three natural curves aligned.

7. TURNING INDIVIDUAL OVER If possible adjust bed height to mid or upper thigh. Cross patient’s arms on chest; cross individual’s legs. Put your knees on bed, near individual’s shoulder. Use your whole body, keeping your knees bent and your back balanced. If possible turn individual toward you.

8. WHEELCHAIR TO TOILET TRANSFER Position individual in proximity to toilet. Remove waist belt, and swing out foot rests. Wrap arms around waist and give signal. Lift and pivot student so that they are positioned in sitting position on toilet. If possible have individual grab bar for support while pivoting. Remember to bend your knees and maintain your back’s natural curves.

9. MECHANICAL ASSISTANCE Take advantage of aids like mechanical lifts to help students move from beds, chairs, and toilets. Use a transfer belt to help move an individual safely and securely when doing a wheelchair transfer. Use a sliding board when moving short distances.

10. DEMONSTRATION OF LIFTS/TRANSFER Instructor will demonstrate how to use lifts and how to properly transfer students. Students will break into teams and practice on each other in pairs. Each student will be responsible for completing each transfer correctly for the instructor before passing and completing the training session.