By Jennifer Bradley, Staff Writer
As before, a caregiver should use a gaitbelt
for additional support and control. Always angle
the wheelchair, if necessary, and lock the
brakes. Ensure the person’s feet are flat on the
floor and ready to support the body once
standing. A caregiver should place their hands
on the person’s hips or waist, and as they
stand, give a lift for support. As they stand,
help pivot onto the toilet help them get seated
and ensure they are stable before moving
further.
Whether on familiar territory or in the middle of
a crowded public restroom, a caregiver can complete
a successful transfer of a loved one with a few
simple rules. First, is to ensure the caregiver’s
safety by utilizing proper lifting techniques and
transfer methods. An unsafe caregiver will only hurt
themselves and the loved one they are caring for.
They are then useless to do the task at hand.
Also, a caregiver must teach their loved one how
to help themselves as much as possible, by lifting
and using grab bars for assistance. When both
parties are active in a transfer, aware of each
other’s safety and respecting each other’s
boundaries, both physical and emotional, bathroom
transfers will become a routine well prepared for.
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