Safer Transfers at Home: Protecting Older Adults and Caregivers

By Silver Sitters

Helping someone move between a bed, chair or bathroom requires a plan matched to that person. A squat, straight back or strong arms alone cannot make lifting an adult by hand safe. Equipment-assisted patient handling and appropriate training help reduce injury risks for both people.

Ask for a transfer assessment

Request an occupational therapy or other qualified moving-and-handling assessment. Discuss what the person can do independently, what assistance is needed and whether the home has enough space for the recommended equipment. Review the plan after a change in mobility or health.

Have the right support in place

Agree which transfers caregivers may assist with, what equipment is required and how many trained people must be present. Learn the specific method through supervised instruction. A general online article cannot establish that a one-person transfer is suitable.

Keep required equipment accessible and maintained. If a patient lift is prescribed, use its approved sling and follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions. Stop if equipment is damaged or the planned assistance is unavailable.

Prepare the home and communicate

Explain the plan, ask about comfort and allow time for the person to participate. Remove obstacles and arrange the destination before starting. Avoid improvising when the space, equipment or person’s condition differs from the assessed plan.

If someone has already fallen

Do not try to lift them yourself. Call 911 if they cannot get up or may have a serious injury, and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. Arrange a clinical review after a fall.

Palm Beach County families arranging home care should discuss transfer needs before care begins. Confirm that the agreed tasks, training, equipment and staffing match the person’s assessed needs.