Need easier tranfer technique for pt. with paralyzed legs

[PerfectlyPlump, ADN, RN]

I have accepted a home care assignment for a boy with paralysis in both lower extremities due to a neural tube defect. He is "a handful" for me to lift from W/C to floor, or bed, or tub. And back again. He has no lift. The family owns a sliding board, but has not using that device. Nothing on the plan of care gives specific instructions for transfering him. At this point, he lacks the motivation/understanding to use his good strong arms to help himself.

Does anyone have suggestions for me?? I have to admit that everyone else involved in his care is younger and stronger than I am, and seem to have no problem. I like the child and family, and I hope to continue caring for him.

[caliotter3]

You are going to have to learn how to use that sliding board or get help. I am in the same boat with my patient. I know I have to figure things out if I want to stay on the case.

[Kyasi]

I had the same issue with a child I cared for. She was in the school system at the time and either a PT or OT came and did a home visit to evaluate. She custom made a device that we used for showering. There was a rolling, waterproof reclining seat (all made of PVC piping) that we could roll to her bed, slide her over, buckle her in and roll her to the shower. The stationary section of the system stayed in the tub and the seat, with her in it, slid over onto the stationary section and we locked it in place. She was at our waist level and we could shampoo her and shower her with a hand held shower head. It was great. There are a lot of these type things out there. Every child gets big and it's only a matter of time before others will have difficulty transferring also. We also had a hoyer for use if transferring from the bed->wc and back was needed. At a certain point as she grew, I stopped putting her on the floor and did all ROM etc on the bed unless her Father was home to help me lift her back. It was just too much.

Most agencies should have their employees back safety pretty high on the priority list... not to mention the patient's safety. Have you mentioned this to them? I often find if one person is having difficulty with transfers, the other caregivers on the case will admit that transfers are getting harder also. I have some patients who refuse to use a lift and I have made that it mandatory if they want our agency to either accept them as a patient or continue to serve them. So you might want to speak to your supervisor about it.

Kyasi

[PerfectlyPlump, ADN, RN]

For the sake of his LE circulation, we get him out of the W/C and down onto the floor. Of course it is a good position change, too. They tell me he can "crawl", but I have not seen that yet.

Your answer reminds me that it is not just my problem. Will talk to the sup. Thanks!!