Lesson 4: Moving and Supporting People
Moving and Supporting People
Moving or supporting a person requires planning because their ability, condition and behaviour may change. Workers must protect the person’s dignity and safety while also preventing injury to themselves and others.
Before assisting someone
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Read the person’s current care or mobility plan.
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Confirm how much movement the person can perform independently.
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Explain the task and obtain the person’s cooperation.
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Check the surrounding area for hazards.
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Prepare any required equipment before starting.
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Seek trained assistance when the care plan requires more than one worker.
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Never use equipment you have not been trained to operate.
During the movement
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Encourage the person to participate within their abilities.
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Communicate clearly before and throughout each movement.
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Use the transfer method and equipment specified in the care plan.
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Maintain the person’s privacy, comfort and dignity.
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Avoid sudden movements, twisting or reaching awkwardly.
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Stop immediately if the person becomes distressed, weak, dizzy or unstable.
Workers should not attempt to manually support a person’s full body weight when the task requires a hoist or other mechanical aid. Never improvise a transfer method or proceed alone when assistance is required.
Example
A client normally transfers from a bed to a chair with assistance from one worker. Today, the client reports dizziness and cannot stand steadily. The worker pauses the transfer, keeps the client safe, reports the change and follows workplace procedures to arrange a reassessment and suitable assistance.
After the movement
Ensure the person is comfortable and safely positioned. Return equipment to its proper location, report any problems or changes and document the assistance according to workplace procedures.
Always follow the person’s care plan, your training, workplace procedures and applicable state or territory safety requirements.