You are a nursing aide who goes into a home every morning to help
Ron care for his wife, who has recently been confined to a wheelchair.
"You
have to do some writing as a nurse aide, especially writing and following
progress reports," says Rhonda Crouch. "You have to be able to communicate
in a good manner, be positive and comforting. Sometimes you have to explain
to others how to care for the patient."
This morning you are explaining
to Ron how to transfer his wife from her bed to the wheelchair in the most
efficient and safest manner.
First,
help her sit upright on the side of the bed. Do this by having her lie on
her side facing you, with her knees bent.
Swing her legs over the side
of the bed.
With one hand gently supporting her upper back, gently
pull her upright. Never pull a patient by her arms.
Place the chair
on her strong side.
When lifting, we rely mainly on our leg muscles,
which are far stronger than those in our lower back. Stand directly in front
of her, then move in close. Put your knees against hers for support and grip
her under the arm, by the armpit or around the waist. Have her hold on to
your shoulders.
On the count of three, pull her to an upright position,
straightening your legs as you rise with her. Now the two of you rest for
a minute. Continue to brace her knees with yours in case she is dizzy or weak.
The
fear of falling can virtually paralyze a person. Talk her through the process
step by step to reassure her. Also assure her that you won't let her
fall.
Carefully turn her until the backs of her knees are touching
the chair. As the two of you pivot, always face her. Never twist your body.
Have
her grasp the arm of the chair with her strong hand.
Carefully lower
her into the seat, remembering to bend your knees instead of bending from
the waist.
(Excerpt from: The Complete Bedside Companion: No-Nonsense
Advice on Caring for the Seriously Ill by Rodger McFarlane and Philip Bashe.
Simon and Schuster: New York, 1998.)
Ron is grateful
for your advice and wants to make sure that he has understood your instructions.
These are the questions he asks you about the procedure: