Question for physical therapist?

Question

I need to know if there is a safe way or technique to get a disabled person in a wheel chair up and down a staircase. We can use more than one person if necessary. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Answer 1

It really depends on the ability of the patient, caregiver and the surroundings. If the patient has any ability to stand, a "stand pivot" or "squat pivot" transfer is usually used. The caregiver uses a gait belt around the paint, gets the patient to the edge of the bed and places the patients feets underneath them so they can help themselves stand. The patient ASSISTS to stand as the caregiver uses the belt for guidance...the caregiver helps the patient pivot to the chair which is placed at about a 30-45 degree angle from the bed. (AND THE WHEELCHAIR MUST BE LOCKED) The caregiver must take caution to maintain good body mechanics...keeping the spine relatively straight and avoid twisting.

For patients who are unable to stand, transfer boards, and hoyer lifts can be used.

I'd really suggest a session with a PT to learn the best way to transfer a particular patient.

For a stair lift, two very able bodied persons are required. To ascend, tip the chair backwards (patient's back toward the stairs) so that only the rear wheels are touching (this requires a lot of trust from the patient)...acting together, the caregivers must roll the patient up one stair at time by holding a non-movable part of the frame. Descending is a similar maneuver...just going down one step at a time.

Again, I would recommend a professional training session with a PT.