Safe transfers/hoyers

[Butterflyxx0621]

How do you get your patients to understand why you set them as assists with transfers or why a Hoyer is not a good idea(if it isn't) ?

The issue comes up every now and then where the patients want to fight you tooth and nail on this... Apparently discussing safety and the repercussions of falls, such as injuries, broken bones, etc. Is not always convincing enough.

In those cases, any other hints/tips?

[vampiregirl, BSN, RN]

I think with some patients it's a measurable aspect of their decline and they are not ready to face it. Especially with hospice patients, this can be a big issue.

A more personalized approach with education works with some people, reproaching a subject with a different spin. Sometimes focusing on what they still can do, and how a fall could change this.

Hoyers can be scary to look at. I've actually let a patient hoyer me so they can see how it works. And show them the different safety features and considerations involved with a transfer.

Or involve the patient in this process, offering options and having them make suggestions/ input their care plan. Even if it's what you were planning to introduce all along. With hospice patients, many things are out of their control. Giving them a chance to make decisions is very helpful to them (and to the therapeutic relationship:)

[Butterflyxx0621]

Those are great suggestions, especially spinning it to focus on the positive and how a fall can effect that.

I have one particular patient that I actually really enjoy on a personal level but he does struggle with acceptance big time. I actually requested and got an approval for a PT eval for him. If a few sessions can benefit him, all the better. And if not, maybe then he will have some closure.