How to Lift a Handicapped Person From the Floor

Lifting a handicapped person from the floor requires care and attention. The situation is not easy for either the person lifting or the person who requires help. At all times it is important to remember that you are lifting a person, so allow them to maintain as much dignity as possible. If someone has fallen, your instinct will be to lift them as quickly as possible, but it is important to make sure they are not hurt and that you cause them and yourself minimum discomfort.

Instructions

• 1

  Assess the situation. If you know the person who needs to be lifted, you will already have an idea of their size and weight and any medical problems they may have.

  If a stranger requires your help, you must speak to them first.

• 2

  Reassure the handicapped person and ask if they are hurt. If there is any possibility of broken bones, try not to move them until you have assistance. Ask how much assistance they need. Can they stand unaided? Is their balance affected? It will help no one if you both fall.

• 3

  Bend from the knees and position your hands under the other person's arms. You may feel more comfortable lifting them face to face or from behind. Ask them which position will help them more. They will have more experience of being assisted and talking in a calm, reassuring manner will take some of the stress out of the situation.

• 4

  Keep your feet apart to the width of your shoulders and tighten your stomach muscles. Hold your back straight and keep close to the person. Take the strain in your legs and lift the person in one movement.

• 5

  Help the person onto a chair or to balance with any walking aides. Stay with them for a moment to ensure they are stable, unhurt and able to walk.