Hospital Visit with a Disability

RNNPICU, BSN, RN · May 30

Different facilities have different policies and regulations. While in your own home environment you have the ability to do as you want, in health care settings, transfers, etc are regulated by policies. Safer is not just for you but for the staff as well.

You can be as independent as you want in the outside environment, however there is a balance also when others are assisting and providing care. LIkely this is driven by their policy and not an indication of your abilities.

Guest1226712 · May 30

Thank you so much. It just seems like a lot more work for the people assisting me.

That's why I was confused, but that make sense.

Just want to be as independent as possible.

JKL33 · May 31

(If accurate) I would tell them that you strongly prefer transferring in a manner that is comfortable to you, the way you do it every single day.

I'm imagining "overhead" lift to mean something like a Hoyer. If that's generally what we're talking about here I don't think it is appropriate to insist that a differently-abled competent adult who is used to safely maneuvering themselves around in the home and community be hoisted into the air in such a manner in order to make others feel safer. And I'm pretty sure there are not regulations that demand it be that way. If they have a policy that states something like that then it's up to you to decide whether you wish to voluntarily comply or see if there's somewhere else you can do business. Or talk to management and explain your perspective.

Good luck !

**Elektra6, ASN, BSN, RN** · Jun 2

Does anyone come with you to appointments? I take a patient that transfers via a slide board and have never had a problem with them insisting on a lift even in hospitals but I am there there to assist (nurse). His family never had an issue either, but like I said someone always did the transfer for him. Maybe bring a friend or family member with you if possible next time for backup assistance. That may work.

Editorial Team / Admin · Jun 3

I understand your situation and your desire to maintain independence during transfers.

As a person, you have the right to transfer independently if you are able to do so safely. While medical staff may recommend using an overhead lift for ease and safety, it's important for them to respect your ability and preference to transfer yourself, provided it doesn't pose a risk to you or them.

In future medical appointments, you can communicate your needs and capabilities clearly. You might say something like:

"I appreciate your concern for my safety, but I am capable of transferring myself using a slide board or by weight bearing if I have something to hold on to, like the side of the bed. I would prefer to do this to maintain my independence. If you could assist by putting up the bed rail, I can manage the transfer on my own."

It's helpful to demonstrate your ability to the staff if they are hesitant. You can show them how you pull yourself up and shift in your chair. This can help reassure them that you can transfer safely.

If you were in the emergency or urgent care for acute deconditioning, I would first have a physical therapist evaluate you. However, since this was a standard outpatient appointment, your request to transfer independently should be respected.

Hospitals often advocate for the use of lifts to prevent injuries to both patients and staff. While this is a valid concern, your preference for independence should also be respected. Stand firm in your request and ensure they understand that you are comfortable and capable of transferring on your own.

I hope this helps and wish you the best at your next appointment.

Guest1226712 · Jun 3

Elektra6 said:

Does anyone come with you to appointments? I take a patient that transfers via a slide board and have never had a problem with them insisting on a lift even in hospitals but I am there there to assist (nurse). His family never had an issue either, but like I said someone always did the transfer for him. Maybe bring a friend or family member with you if possible next time for backup assistance. That may work.

I do live independelty since I am going to post secondary. I use homecare, but they a re not able to come to appointments with me. And I have no family in town, since I live in a different town.

I do feel bad asking university friends to come to appointments with me since we havent known eachother that long.

Maybe I just need someone to come with me to help advocate.

**Elektra6, ASN, BSN, RN** · Jun 3

Not a bad idea

JKL33 · Jun 4

Joseph866 said:

I do live independelty since I am going to post secondary. I use homecare, but they a re not able to come to appointments with me. And I have no family in town, since I live in a different town.

I do feel bad asking university friends to come to appointments with me since we havent known eachother that long.

Maybe I just need someone to come with me to help advocate.

Unless there's something missing here, I really do not feel you should *have* to do that in order to be regarded appropriately (that is, as competent adult). I'm not saying it is a wrong suggestion or that you shouldn't try to arrange some extra support to be there if you would feel better about that, but that would be super wrong if they change their stance based on someone else basically vouching for you. If that would turn out to be the case I'd say that they should have made the exact same allowance based on your own report of how you are used to getting around.

I hope you can get the care you need without being made to feel awkward. Let us know how your next appointment goes.