Share
Transferring a bariatric client requires knowledge, technique, and compassion at every step. Find out what’s required for bariatric client transfers here.
In healthcare and caregiving, the unique needs of bariatric clients often present challenges that require specialised knowledge and techniques. Bariatric care, which caters to individuals with obesity, demands empathy, expertise, and specialised equipment.
Handling and moving bariatric clients isn't just about physical logistics; it's about ensuring dignity, safety, and comfort at every step.
Here, we'll delve deep into the details of bariatric care, shedding light on the essential requirements and best practices for handling and moving bariatric clients. Whether you're a seasoned healthcare professional, a support worker, or someone keen on understanding this specialised area of care, this guide aims to provide insights to give you the knowledge you need.
Assessment & planning
Before initiating any movement, it's crucial to understand the client's physical and emotional state. Beyond mobility, consider factors like skin integrity (to prevent pressure sores) and respiratory and cardiovascular status (as these can affect their stamina and ability to participate in transfers).
Meanwhile, understand and address any anxieties or fears the client might have about moving. Their mental wellbeing can significantly impact their cooperation and overall experience.
It’s also important to survey the surroundings for potential hazards like wet floors, clutter, or inadequate lighting. Ensure there's enough space to move without issue, and check if the flooring suits the equipment you plan to use, e.g. whether it can handle the weight without causing damage or if there’s uneven flooring.
While manoeuvring the space, consider the turning radius of wheelchairs or hoists, as this can also impact movement for your client.
Use of appropriate equipment
Bariatric equipment is designed to accommodate heavier weights and provide added stability. This might include wider wheelchairs, reinforced beds, and heavy-duty lifts. Using the right equipment reduces the risk of injury and ensures the client's comfort.
Ensure all support workers know the equipment's operation, including safety features or emergency release mechanisms, and maintain a log of all equipment checks and maintenance performed. This can be crucial for accountability and ensuring regular upkeep.
If unsure, always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines when performing maintenance or checks.
The three Ts: teamwork, technique & training
Bariatric care often requires teamwork to ensure the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of the client, as well as the safety of the support workers involved. Here are some basic teamwork and technique tips to keep in mind while transferring or lifting a patient.
To start, clearly define who is responsible for what during the transfer — for example, one support worker might be in charge of the client's upper body, while another manages the legs.
- Ensure hands are positioned correctly, using a grip that distributes weight evenly to reduce the risk of injury.
- All team members should wear non-slip shoes to guarantee a firm grip on the floor while lifting or transferring the client.
- If one support worker is unavailable or needs assistance with the transfer, have a backup plan or additional staff members nearby.
- While working with any client, use standardised commands or signals to avoid confusion amongst the team, especially in noisy environments or if the client is feeling uneasy.
- To minimise the risk of injury, utilise patient lifting equipment like ceiling and floor hoists. Even simple aids like gait belts can help with transfers if manual and automatic lifts are unavailable. Be sure to check the weight capacity of any equipment you plan to use beforehand.
To ensure the safety of all clients, stay up to date with industry standards and best practices based on the latest research and technologies. All team members should also attend training sessions based on real-life scenarios to be better prepared for actual situations.
CLIENT INVOLVEMENT
It’s important to remember that teamwork also involves the client, and their participation is crucial to their success and quality of care. Set achievable goals with the client; this can motivate them to participate in their care and recovery actively, from strength training to physiotherapy and more.
Encouraging the client to participate in transfers can also help maintain their independence and lead to a more dignified transfer. For example, you might ask them to shift their weight or hold onto support bars.
Other tips for client involvement and care include:
- Checking in with them about their comfort during transfers and daily activities — this will provide insight into their overall wellbeing.
- Asking them about their preferences, e.g. whether they would prefer their support worker to be a specific gender.
- Listening to your client’s fears and concerns, validating their feelings, and ensuring they feel heard and understood.
- Building a relationship of trust to ensure transfers and movements are less stressful for all parties involved.
- Maintaining a compassionate, non-judgmental approach to ensure the client feels valued. Some clients may be dealing with societal stigma or personal insecurities about their weight.
Offer the highest quality of care with reliable bariatric equipment from Active Mobility
Navigating the complexities of bariatric care demands both skill and sensitivity. Handling and moving bariatric clients goes beyond mere physical assistance; it's about creating an environment of trust, respect, and understanding.
By embracing the right techniques, tools, and training, support workers can ensure the safety and wellbeing of their clients while also safeguarding their own health. But beyond the mechanics, it's the human touch, the empathy, and the commitment to dignity that truly make a difference.
From reinforced beds to wider wheelchairs and even bedside commodes, Active Mobility offers quality bariatric equipment to ensure you can provide the highest quality of care possible for your clients. Browse our collection and shop online for convenient, affordable shipping, or book a showroom appointment in Sydney or Newcastle for product demonstrations and support.