Im starting a new job today taking care of a 98 yr old man. I got the job thru an agency, and Im a bit nervous since Im new at this. Can anyone tell me what the proper way is to help him out of his bed? Is there a way that I should extend my arm and support his back etc.... also, I need to help him go to the bathroom and was hopeing to get some tips on that also. Thanks so much!
2007-01-30 04:54:48 · 4 answers · asked by ? 1 in Health ➔ Other - Health
I have gone thru intense training. He is not bed ridden, I just need to get him up and going. I was just hoping to get some friendly last min tips for confidence sake.
2007-01-30 05:18:14 · update #1
You should have been trained in order to be certified to do this line of work. But, I'd rather sleep well tonight knowing this poor man didn't break a hip, and I'll go through it with you.
Before attempting to transfer anyone, you'll always want to assess their size, ability to assist you in moving them, and their ability to follow instructions. Are they large enough that it may require a two-person lift? Are they able to bear a little weight on their own? Are they confused? All of these can contribute to a dangerous transfer. A health care professional must know what is required to help someone out of bed before they do it, to prevent injury. (Yours and his).
If you're absolutely confident you can do a proper transfer of this patient, then follow the next steps.
1. Gather wheelchair or transfer belt if needed. Set up his toiletries in the bathroom prior to starting. It provides easy access to equipment.
2. Maintain privacy. If others are in the home, close the door.
3. Get help if needed.
4. Explain to him what you are going to do. This decreases fear, prepares him, and builds trust
5. Place the wheelchair parallel to his bed. LOCK the wheelchair. If you don't lock it, the wheelchair could move and cause you both to fall.
6. Lower the bed and raise the head of the bed if you can. If not, place pillows behind to support his neck and back.
7. If he has slippers or non-skid socks, put them on so he doesn't slip
8. Assist him to turn on his side. Support his shoulders with one arm and with the other arm at his thighs, help him sit up and move his legs over the edge of the bed. Help him move forward on the bed until the feet rest on the floor and allow the legs to dangle
9. Reposition the wheelchair closer if necessary so he can stand, pivot, and sit without having to back up to the chair.
10. Double check that the wheelchair wheels are locked
11. Assist him to stand by assuming a moderately wide stance in front of him. Brace his legs with your knees, which are slightly flexed. This provides a base of support
12. Place your arms underneath his armpits with your hands reaching back and bracing his shoulders. If he's not able to push himself off the bed, have him place his arms around your shoulders (not your neck). If he's able to help push from the bed, have him place his hands on the bed. This brings him close to your center of gravity and provides a point of leverage for lifting
13. On the count of 3, have him push on the bed and lift him upward while maintaining correct alignment in your back. If he's unable to push himself, you have to totally lift him while maintaining total support.
14. Pivot 90 degrees so his back is toward the seat of the chair. Have him reach back and grasp the arms of the chair, if able. Be sure his legs are against the stea of the chair and lower the body into the chair. Flex your knees as he lowers into it.
15. Assist him to put feet in the footrests. Position him in correct alignment - hips should be back in chair. If needed, assist him to reposition further back in it.
For taking him to the toilet or back to bed, use the same pivot-lift from the wheelchair to the bed / toilet, and follow the instructions in reverse.
Good luck.
2007-01-30 05:36:45 · answer #1 · answered by Karma 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's called Home Care Aide. I did it for 2 years but also went thru intense training for bed written patients, I really don't know how they can just ask you to perform duties that are for license or certified assistants.
2007-01-30 13:08:31 · answer #2 · answered by Yo Si Y 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How did you get a job caring for an elderly person without going through training? You are performing nursing assistant duties and should be certified.
2007-01-30 13:03:56 · answer #3 · answered by professorc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You really have to have some training to do this. Go back to the agency & ask for training or another type of job
2007-01-30 13:08:39 · answer #4 · answered by hobo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋