Caring for your loved one at home can feel overwhelming, especially when you are helping with movement and personal care. It is natural to feel unsure at first, and it is okay to take your time as you learn. Moving slowly and thoughtfully helps protect both of you, and with practice, patience and a focus on safety, these daily care activities will start to feel more manageable.

This article opens our six-part Safe Movement at Home series. The articles that follow walk through specific care activities — bed-to-wheelchair transfers, sitting at the edge of the bed, repositioning and brief changes — one step at a time. 

A Few Principles That Apply Every Time

Whatever activity you are helping with — a transfer, a position change or personal care — a few simple habits help keep both of you safe. Try to keep these in mind whenever you begin.

Communicate first

• Tell your loved one what is about to happen, every step of the way.
• Move slowly and check in often. Pausing is always okay.

Protect your back

• Stand close to your loved one — the closer you are, the less strain on your back.
• Keep a wide, stable base of support, with your feet about shoulder-width apart.
• Bend at your knees, not at your waist. Use your leg muscles rather than your back.
• Avoid twisting. To change direction, turn your feet instead.
• Pull or push rather than lift whenever you can. A draw sheet placed under the hips and torso lets you slide instead of lift.

Set up the space

• If you have a hospital bed, raise it to a comfortable working height before you begin.
• Lock the brakes on the bed, wheelchair or commode.
• Move pillows, blankets and small items out of the way so you have a clear path.
• If your loved one will be standing, make sure they are wearing rubber-soled shoes or non-slip socks.

Ask for help

• Whenever possible, ask another person to help. Two sets of hands are safer than one.
• Be careful not to pull on your loved one’s arms or under their armpits — this can hurt their shoulders.

A note on practice and patience

The first few times you try any of these activities, it is normal for them to feel awkward. Confidence builds little by little.

In the next article, we walk through one of the most common transfers — moving from the bed to a wheelchair — step by step.

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At MJHS, we value both personal and professional caregivers and recognize the critical work you do. That is why we have created these online caregiving resources to help you through this crucial time in your life.

If you need additional help and support caring for your loved one, please feel free to contact MJHS. We can recommend other care options available to you through one of our programs.