If your senior parent is not able to get in and out of bed easily, or if they are recovering at home after a fall they may need specialized mobility tools to help them get around the house. It’s very common for seniors to need some additional help getting in and out of bed, in and out of chairs, or around the house after a fall or as they get older. Personal care at home can help your mom or dad with transferring in and out of bed or chairs.
The care providers that provide personal care at home have experience and training using common mobility tools to safely transfer seniors of all shapes and seniors.
Some of the commonly used mobility tools that can help get seniors safely and comfortably transferred from bed to a chair or sofa or in and out of bed are:
Hoyer Lift
The Hoyer lift, also known as a patient lift or hydraulic lift, is one of the most widely used tools for transferring seniors with limited mobility.
This device consists of a sturdy base with wheels, a hydraulic or electric lifting mechanism, and a sling that supports the patient.
The caregiver places the sling under the senior, and the lift then raises and moves them safely in and out of bed. The Hoyer lift reduces the physical strain on caregivers and minimizes the risk of injury to both parties.
But using a Hoyer lift can be tricky if you have never used one before. That’s why personal care at home for seniors is recommended if your senior mom or dad needs a lot of assistance transferring.
Transfer Belt
A transfer belt, also known as a gait belt, is a simple yet effective tool for assisting seniors who can bear some weight but need help with stability during transfers.
The belt is fastened around the senior’s waist, providing a secure handhold for the caregiver to assist with standing, sitting, and moving between surfaces.
Transfer belts are commonly used for shorter transfers and are ideal for seniors who have enough strength to participate in the transfer process but require additional support.
If your mom or dad is recovering after a fall and they can assist in getting out of bed or into a chair but they can’t put weight on a broken hip or broken ankle a transfer belt may be exactly what they need until they are fully healed.
Slide Sheets
Slide sheets are low-friction fabric sheets that facilitate smooth and easy transfers between surfaces, such as from a bed to a wheelchair.
The caregiver places the slide sheet under the senior, and the low-friction surface allows for effortless sliding movements.
This tool significantly reduces the risk of skin damage and strain on both the senior and the caregiver. Slide sheets are particularly useful for repositioning bedridden seniors and performing lateral transfers.
If your mom or dad has had a stroke and is working on recovering their muscle strength and ability to move on one side of their body slide sheets can make it much easier for them to get in and out of bed each day.
Transfer Boards
Transfer boards, also known as slide boards, are rigid boards that bridge the gap between two surfaces, such as a bed and a wheelchair.
The senior slides across the board with the assistance of a caregiver, making the transfer safer and easier. Transfer boards are particularly beneficial for seniors with good upper body strength who can assist in their transfer.
Pivot Discs
Pivot discs, or transfer discs, are circular devices placed on the floor to facilitate smooth pivoting movements during transfers. The senior stands on the pivot disc, and the caregiver assists them in rotating to move from one surface to another, such as from a bed to a chair.
Pivot discs are especially useful for seniors who have difficulty with lateral movements but can bear weight and stand with assistance. This tool helps in reducing the risk of falls and ensures a smoother transfer process.
If your mom or dad can stand and get around on their own but they have poor balance or problems transferring their weight pivot discs can give them the support they need to get out of bed or get out of their chair.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care Services in Manheim PA, please contact the caring staff at Extended Family Care Lancaster today. Call (717) 391-6363
Extended Family Care Lancaster is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Lancaster, Pennsylvania including Columbia, Elizabethtown, Ephrata, Hershey, Lebanon, Lititz, Manheim, New Holland, and Paradise.
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