How can home care aids help with transfers?

Submitted by Emma Hamilton on Sat, 27/09/2008 - 10:00am

Transfer belts assist with transferring and reduce the risk of caregiver injuries.

Poor mobility and difficulty weight-bearing can pose many problems for carers. Carers can be at risk of injury if they attempt to lift someone or transfer a person incorrectly.

Special lifting equipment can help with transferring from a bed to a chair, getting into a bath, repositioning in bed and standing up. Home health care aids and assistive devices that can help with transfers include:

Hoist and standing lifters: for moving and transferring a person safely without the risk of back injury for carers.
Slide sheets: simple cloth sheets that allow carers to change a person's position in bed without lifting.
Swivel seats: a rotating cushion that helps with getting in and out of the car or changing seated position.
Monkey bar: for assistance in sitting up in bed.

Always seek the advice of an occupational therapist before purchasing home health care aids and assistive devices. Buying the right equipment is essential for maintaining safety and independence and will ultimately save you money.

Contact an Independent Living Centre in your state for more information about assistive devices, home care aids and suppliers. Call the ILC on 1300 885 886.

To see a range of assistive devices for lifting and transferring see our aged care product section by clicking here: Lifting and Transfers