How to Properly Lift a Handicapped Person

When caring for someone who has a disability that affects his ability to transfer from one surface to another, lifting will be involved. This might be necessary to perform hygiene or use therapeutic equipment. When lifting a person with a handicap, it is important to use proper techniques to avoid injury to yourself and the person being lifted. Proper lifting not only involves the physical act but also preparation.

Instructions

• 1

  Adjust the environment appropriately. Whenever possible, it is safer to lift someone from a higher surface to a lower surface. Make adjustments to the equipment that is used to make this possible. For example, a changing table used within the person's home should be set up at the correct height, lower than the person's wheelchair.

• 2

  Have the right number of people doing the lifting. Although the person's weight will have a part in determining how many people are needed, other things should be considered. The height of the person being lifted might make it necessary for an additional person. It is also important to consider your strength and those helping you with the lifting.

• 3

  Use the proper technique to lift. When lifting alone, cradle the person as you would a baby. One arm should be below her shoulders and one arm under her legs just above her knees. For a two-person lift, one of you should be at the shoulders while the other one is at the legs. Regardless of how many people are lifting, it is important not to use the shoulders and knees to pull up on because it puts pressure on joints that might already be weak.

• 4

  Move him from a flat to a sitting position depending on what surface you are moving him onto. This will be helpful when moving him off of a changing table and back into his wheelchair. When doing this, be sure to support not only his back so he can sit up but also his hips so they do not slip out from under him.

• 5

  Use your arm strength to move the person. You do not want to put pressure on your lower back, so it is necessary to use your arm muscles when transferring the person. Also, be sure not to twist your back. It should be in a straight line the whole time, allowing your arms and legs to do the moving.