In this video on stroke care, we look at various safe handling and transfer techniques for stroke patients.
Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in Singapore. Stroke survivors may continue to have some form of physical disability after they are discharged from hospital, thus requiring assistance to roll in bed, get out of bed and to sit out on a chair.
Here is an example of a patient transfer technique that reduces risk of injury to the patient and caregiver. If you have not been taught by a healthcare professional on these techniques, please speak to a neurological physiotherapist before attempting them yourself.
Moderate Assistance Transfer: Position a chair in line with the bed. Ensure there is sufficient space at the edge of the bed before rolling the patient over. First, ask the patient to hold onto the weaker arm. Bend the opposite knee. With one hand on the pelvis and the other hand on the shoulder blade, ask the patient to roll towards you with you guiding as necessary. Next, ask the patient to use her stronger leg to bring her weaker leg over the edge of the bed. Stabilise the patient's hip and ask the patient to push up to sitting.
If the patient is sitting too far in the bed, shuffle the patient's bottom forward. Lean the patient on the right and guide the left buttock forward. Then. lean the patient to the left and guide the right buttock forward. Ensure that both the patient's feet are placed flat on the floor.
Place the chair near the patien't strong arm. If it is a wheelchair, ensure the brakes are applied. Stabilise the patient's knees between yours. Lower yourself to the patient's eye level by bending your knees but keeping your back straight. Commuicate to the patient what you are about to do. Place her strong hand on the armrest of the wheelchair. Ask her to participate by leaning forward and turning towards the bed to bring the buttocks across to the wheel chair seat. Make sure your path of view is not blocked by the patient's head. Cue the patient by saying, "1, 2, 3, Up". To transfer, lean the patient forward, pivot at the patient's knees, then bring the buttocks over to the chair.
Assist the patient to sit well. Make sure the patient is seated up straight at the centre of the chair. Secure the footplates.
If you have difficulty in transferring your loved one affected by stroke, ask a doctor to refer you to a neurological physiotherapist.
Check out our other patient transfer videos using the minimal assistance technique and maximum assistance technique.
