Tips to Help Your Elderly Loved One Transfer Safely in Benton, AR
Assisting a loved one safely transferring to a new location or position is a crucial duty for a family caregiver. When an older adult needs physical help obtaining:
- Stepping into and out of the bath or shower
- In and out of the restroom
- From or into a seated position
- Going to and from bed
It is essential to watch out for the safety of older people as they go about their everyday lives. By offering crucial assistance and direction, you can make their house, outside activities, and everyday tasks safer for them to navigate.
Call us at (501) 321-4900 to learn more.
You can take several powerful approaches to ensure the relocation of your senior loved one goes off without a hitch. The professionals at Visiting Angels Benton have put together the following advice to assist you in relocating or transferring a loved one with peace of mind:
Have a conversation with your superior
Being transferred may be just as stressful as transferring someone else. Communicating what must be done during the transfer is essential to building trust and confidence with your senior and reducing the likelihood of accidents.
Even if it's invisible to you, your elderly loved one may seek the closest handhold if they believe they're about to collapse. Avoid scrapes and bruises by not wearing loose jewelry and keeping long hair tied back.
Utilize aids and gadgets
You can raise your elderly loved one more securely with the help of specific gadgets. Transfers may be more straightforward and safer using assistive equipment; see a doctor about options. These may include walkers, grab bars, motorized chair lifts, and gait belts. Only use a gait belt after first receiving proper training.
Watch out for sharp objects in the restroom
As a result of cramped confines, misplaced garments, and wet floors, the bathroom accounts for over 80% of all home falls. Before you try to transfer, make sure you have sound footing and give yourself additional time. Keep an eye out for potential trip hazards, such as carpets that might come loose, and put non-slip mats down to lessen the likelihood of falls.
Lean on your legs instead of your back while lifting
When you move or raise anything heavy, your legs provide the power. Back injuries and discomfort are expected outcomes of lifting with the back. Instead of stooping down to move your loved one, you may stand up straight and strong using your legs as a springboard.
Go to a doctor
Before requiring assistance with transfers, take your elderly loved one to a doctor or physical therapist. The provider may assess your circumstances and advise how to move both of you securely.
Getting Transfer Assistance Is OK
You and your senior should not let the prospect of transferring bring you undue stress. If you ever need assistance transporting a loved one, you should not hesitate to ask for it. It may be emotionally and physically taxing to help an elderly loved one who is losing their ability to move about on their own.
When it is tough to move a loved one from one place to another, Visiting Angels Benton is there to help. Maintaining mobility and independence is essential for seniors, and our experienced caregivers can aid with individualized care and support to ensure your loved one is safe and comfortable during moves.
Contact Visiting Angels of Benton
Call or visit Visiting Angels Benton home care at 501-321-4900 if you or a loved one are interested in our caring in-home care services.