Vertical/Dependent Transfers

• Increased risk of injury to lower back and shoulders comes from?

  Manual lifting and patient repositioning
• HIghest risk areas

   *Toilet <> chair transfers

   Bed and bathtub <> chair transfers
• Zero lift policy

   move the patient – mechanical lift

   teach transfers – manual lift***

  manual lifting of residents should be minimized in allcases and eliminated when feasible
• Nursing Level 4

  Total dependence: no manual lifting
• Nursing level 3

  Extensive assistance: no manual lifting
• Nursing level 3

   Mechanical lift with full sling Stand-assist lift if deemed appropriate Heavy mod or greater assistance
• Nursing level 2

  Limited assistance or supervision
• Lower extremity (LE) bilateral nonweight-bearing (NWB)patients who cannot perform a seated lateral transfer. What lift to use?

  total body lift
• Considerations for total body lifts

   Patient emotions – good explanations, reassurance Allow patient participation as much as possible

   Give full attention
• The person at the head during a transfer usually

  leads
• Hold drawsheet with

  supinated grip
• Draw sheet lifters stand

  about trunk level
• Bariatric patients

  Use equipment (lifts, sheets, boards, etc.) labeled “EC”(extended capacity) and rated for a higher maximumweight.
• If target is higher than patient’s gluteal fold

  use step stool
• Helping strangers:

  • Check for injury and scene safety• ASK!! Ask the person how they usually do this or how theywould like to try it. If in a facility, ask the nurse before you attempt to help!
• wheelchair to floor transfer

  casters forward, wheel locks on

  Backward Lift: **Hardest way to do it, NOT an option ifpatient has osteopenia