Bed mobility, Transfers, and Physical Assistance Levels

How often should a dependent patient be repositioned?

Every 2 hours

Why must a dependent patient be lifted when changing position in the bed?

To avoid shearing

Independent assistance

The patient does not require any assistance

Supervision assistance

The patient requires a therapist to observe throughout the completion of a task

Contact guard assistance

The patient requires the therapist to maintain contact with the patient to complete a task - usually used for loss of balance

Minimal assitance

The patient requires 25% or less assistance form the therapist to complete a task

Moderate assistance

The patient requires 26-50% assistance from the therapist to complete a task

Maximum assistance

The patient requires 51-75% assistance from the therapist to complete a task

Dependent assistance

The patient requires 76%-100% assistance to complete a task

Three-Person Carry/Lift

A transfer used to move a patient in supine from a stretch to a bed or treatment plinth

• 1 therapist at the head, 1 at the trunk, and 1 at the LEs

• Therapist at the head initiates commands

Two-Person Lift

Transfer used to move a patient between two surfaces of different height or when a patient to the floor

• 1 therapist is behind the patient with arms under the axillas of the patient and the other has their arms under the thigh to suppport the LEs

• Therapist at the head initiates commands

Dependent Squat Pivot

A transnfer used to move a patient who cannot stand independently but can bear some weight through the trunk or LEs

• Pt position at 45 degrees to the destination surface

• Block the patient knees and allow them to hold the shoulders of the therapist

• Use momentum

Hydraulic Lift

A device used for dependent transfers when a patient is obese, there is only one therapist available, or a patient is totally dependent

• Lock lift in place before starting

When performing a stand pivot transfer with a patient with hemiplegia, which leg should lead toward the destination surface?

The uninvolved side