How do you lift the bedridden elderly?

Back injuries among caregivers are common, with studies indicating a high incidence rate due to improper lifting techniques. Understanding how do you lift the bedridden elderly is crucial for ensuring both the safety of the patient and preventing injury to the caregiver.

Quick Summary

Safely lifting the bedridden elderly requires proper technique and, often, assistive devices like a gait belt or mechanical lift. Always assess the situation, communicate clearly, and use the correct tools to minimize the risk of injury for both the patient and the caregiver.

Key Points

• Prioritize Safety: Always assess the environment, use correct body mechanics, and ensure both the caregiver and the patient are protected from injury.

• Use Assistive Devices: Employ tools like gait belts for assisted transfers and mechanical lifts for non-ambulatory individuals to reduce physical strain and prevent falls.

• Communicate Clearly: Verbally explain each step of the transfer to the elderly person to gain their cooperation and increase their sense of security.

• Avoid Manual Lifting: Do not attempt to manually lift a person who cannot bear weight, as this poses a high risk of injury to all involved parties.

• Receive Professional Training: For optimal safety and confidence, seek hands-on training from a qualified healthcare professional on safe patient handling techniques.

• Maintain Dignity: Always perform transfers and lifts with respect for the individual, ensuring their comfort and dignity throughout the process.

Essential Preparations Before Lifting

Before any lift or transfer, preparation is key. Proper planning helps to prevent falls, reduce strain, and ensure a smooth process. Begin by communicating with the elderly individual. Explain what you are going to do and why, which helps them feel more secure and cooperative. This is a critical step, especially for those with cognitive impairments.

Assess the Environment

• Clear the path: Ensure the area around the bed and the path to the chair or other destination is free of obstacles, loose rugs, and electrical cords.
• Adjust the bed: Raise the bed to a comfortable working height for the caregiver to prevent back strain. Lock the wheels securely to prevent the bed from moving during the transfer.
• Gather equipment: Have all necessary equipment, such as a gait belt, slide sheet, or mechanical lift, ready and within reach before you begin the transfer.
• Check footwear: If the elderly person will be standing, ensure they have non-slip footwear to prevent sliding. Bare feet or socks can increase the risk of falls.

Prioritize Your Safety

Your own body mechanics are vital for preventing injury. Remember these rules for a safe lift:

• Maintain a wide base of support: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart to provide stability.
• Bend your knees, not your back: Use your leg muscles to lift, keeping your back straight.
• Hold the patient close: Keeping the person close to your body reduces strain on your arms and back.
• Never twist your body: Move your entire body in one direction to avoid twisting your spine.

Using a Gait Belt for Assisted Transfers

A gait belt is a crucial tool for helping a person with some mobility to stand or move. It provides a secure grip point for the caregiver, reducing the risk of a fall.

1. Position the belt: Help the person to sit up. Wrap the gait belt snugly around their waist, over their clothes, and buckle it in the front. Ensure it is not too tight by fitting two fingers between the belt and their body.
2. Provide a verbal cue: Instruct the person to place their hands on your shoulders (not neck) and signal when you are going to lift.
3. Perform the lift: Grasp the belt firmly from behind, stand with a wide base, and on the count of three, lift using your legs while the person pushes off the bed with their legs.
4. Pivot and transfer: Turn slowly toward the chair or wheelchair and guide the person to a seated position.

Techniques for Non-Ambulatory Elderly

When the elderly person is unable to assist, a mechanical device is often the safest and most effective solution. Manual lifting of a non-ambulatory individual should be avoided whenever possible, as it poses a significant risk to both parties.

The Mechanical (Hoyer) Lift

A Hoyer lift is an essential piece of equipment for transferring individuals who cannot bear weight. It uses a sling to move the person safely from the bed to a chair, toilet, or shower chair.

1. Prepare the lift: Ensure the lift's base is positioned correctly, and the leg spreaders are open if necessary. Check that the battery is charged if it's an electric model.
2. Position the sling: Roll the elderly individual gently onto their side and place the folded sling underneath them. Roll them back onto their other side to pull the sling through and center it.
3. Attach the sling: Attach the sling straps to the mechanical lift's cradle or hooks, following the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
4. Raise the person: Use the lift controls to slowly raise the person until they are clear of the bed. Guide them with gentle pushes to maintain balance and direction.
5. Move and lower: Carefully maneuver the lift to the destination (e.g., wheelchair). Lock the wheels, then lower the person slowly into the seat, ensuring they are positioned correctly before releasing the sling.

Aides for Repositioning in Bed

For simply moving the elderly person in bed, a slide sheet can be a lifesaver. These are made of low-friction material and allow you to reposition a person with minimal effort. Using a draw sheet (a folded sheet placed across the midsection) with a partner is another option. Each caregiver stands on one side of the bed, grasps the sheet firmly, and moves the person on the count of three.

Comparison of Lifting Methods

Feature	Assisted (Gait Belt)	Mechanical (Hoyer) Lift	Manual (Avoid)
Patient Mobility	Requires some weight-bearing ability and ability to cooperate.	Ideal for non-ambulatory individuals who cannot bear weight.	Unsafe for non-ambulatory; high risk of injury.
Caregiver Effort	Requires moderate physical strength and proper technique.	Minimal physical effort required; operates mechanically.	Very high physical strain; often requires multiple people.
Safety	High safety with correct use; protects caregiver's back.	Highest safety rating when used correctly; virtually eliminates manual lifting strain.	Very high risk of injury for both patient and caregiver.
Cost	Low cost; inexpensive equipment.	High initial cost; requires regular maintenance.	No cost for equipment, but high potential cost from injuries.
Best Use Case	Transfers from bed to chair for those with some mobility.	All transfers for individuals who are completely immobile.	Only for repositioning in bed with a partner and draw sheet.

The Importance of Professional Training

While this guide provides valuable information, nothing replaces hands-on training from a healthcare professional. Many organizations offer courses on safe patient handling. Proper training can provide practical experience and personalized feedback, which is crucial for preventing injury and ensuring the patient's dignity.

Conclusion

Safely lifting the bedridden elderly is a skill that combines knowledge, communication, and the right equipment. Whether you are using a gait belt for an assisted transfer or a mechanical lift for a non-ambulatory individual, always prioritize safety for both yourself and the person in your care. By using the proper techniques and tools, you can ensure the individual is moved comfortably and securely, maintaining their dignity and well-being. Never underestimate the value of seeking professional guidance and practicing these techniques regularly. For further details on safe patient handling, a great resource can be found at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) website, which offers comprehensive guidelines on preventing injuries during patient transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you lift a bedridden elderly person who is heavy?

For heavier individuals who are bedridden, a mechanical lift (such as a Hoyer lift) is the safest and most recommended method. This eliminates the need for manual lifting, protecting both the caregiver and the patient from injury.

Can I use a gait belt to lift a completely bedridden person?

No, a gait belt is only suitable for assisting individuals who have some weight-bearing ability and can assist in the transfer. A person who is completely bedridden requires a mechanical lift for safe transfer.

What is the best way to move a bedridden person up in bed?

The safest method for moving a person up in bed is with a slide sheet or a draw sheet. With a draw sheet, two caregivers on opposite sides of the bed can lift and slide the person upwards in a coordinated manner, minimizing friction and strain.

How can I prevent back injury when caring for a bedridden person?

To prevent back injury, always use proper body mechanics: bend your knees, keep your back straight, and use your leg muscles to lift. Utilize assistive devices, and never twist your body during a transfer.

What should I do if the elderly person starts to fall during a transfer?

If a fall occurs, do not try to stop it alone. Instead, protect the person's head and help them to slide down your leg to the floor gently. Once on the floor, assess for injuries and call for assistance.

What equipment do I need for lifting a bedridden elderly person?

Essential equipment includes a gait belt for assisted transfers, a mechanical (Hoyer) lift with a compatible sling for non-ambulatory individuals, and a draw sheet or slide sheet for in-bed repositioning.

Is professional training necessary for lifting the bedridden elderly?

Yes, professional training is highly recommended. It teaches the correct techniques for using equipment and proper body mechanics, which is vital for preventing injuries and ensuring the safety and comfort of the elderly individual.