As people with Disorders of Consciousness (DoC) work through stages of recovery, the burden of caregiving can be impacted by several factors. The size of the person with the brain injury (e.g., weight, height) in contrast to the caregiver, the level of arousal and awareness, and the level of motor restlessness all play a role in the safe completion of tasks.
It is important to make sure your loved one is positioned in the bed and in the wheelchair to maintain joint alignment and also to, prevent skin issues and prevent joint contractures (see Complications). Proper positioning also facilitates an optimal environment for ongoing recovery. In addition, it is also important as a caregiver to protect yourself from injury. Proper positioning also facilitates an optimal environment for ongoing recovery. Throughout the rehabilitation process, you will learn about special techniques for your loved one, and over time these techniques will progress and change. Practicing the techniques with the assistance of professionals throughout the recovery process will help you feel more comfortable and confident when you transition home or to another environment. Below are some things to consider. Techniques you may learn can include:
- How to position your loved one in bed
- How to help your loved one transfer from bed or a chair into a wheelchair
- How best to position your loved one while they shower or bathe
- How to care for your own back while lifting your loved one or assisting with transfers
Disclaimer: Techniques listed are individualized to each patient and the recommended approach may look different based on the location of care (facility vs. home), the clinician you are working with, and level of your loved one's needs. Some methods used include a specialized approach to help with neurologic recovery. If you have not had training in techniques, please seek out assistance from a trained professional to prevent injury.
How do I position my loved one?
Positioning in Bed Guide
PDF from Shepherd Center
Below is a guide and video to help with positioning in a wheelchair.
- Wheelchair Positioning Guide
PDF from Shepherd Center - Wheelchair positioning video:
From Shepherd Center on Vimeo
Below is information on safely positioning for showering and bathing.
- Successful Bathroom Transfers
From Today's Caregiver - Video demonstrating a tilting shower chair:
From Platinum Health
How do I safely lift my loved one?
Performing daily care for a person with DoC creates additional strain on the caregiver. It is important to utilize safe techniques throughout all caregiving tasks to reduce strain and prevent injuries to the caregiver(s).
Disclaimer: Techniques listed are individualized to each patient and the recommended approach may look different based on the location of care (facility vs. home), the clinician you are working with, and level of your loved one's needs. Some methods used include a specialized approach to help with neurologic recovery. If you have not had training in techniques, please seek out assistance from a trained professional to prevent injury.
A guide providing tips for Caring for your Back
PDF from Shepherd Center
A guide providing tips for Caregivers Assisting with Bed Mobility
PDF from Shepherd Center
A guide providing tips for Caregiers Assisting with Transfers
PDF from Shepherd Center
How do I safely transfer my loved one?
Performing daily care for a person with DoC creates additional strain on the caregiver. It is important to utilize safe techniques throughout all caregiving tasks to reduce strain and prevent injuries to the caregiver(s).
Disclaimer: Techniques listed alisted are individualized to each patient and the recommended approach may look different based on the location of care (facility vs. home), the clinician you are working with, and the level of your loved one’s needs. Some methods used include a specialized approach to help with neurologic recovery. If you have not had training with these techniques, please seek out assistance from a trained professional to prevent injury.
Transfer is the word clinicians use to move a person with any disability from one surface to another. The type of transfer recommended depends on the patient’s functional level, strength and coordination, equipment, and the environment. The status of the caregiver is also very important in deciding which type of transfer is best. As recovery occurs, the type of transfer and equipment used may change. Some transfers also include other aspects of care that may require extra hands and/or additional training. (E.g., removing clothing and completing personal hygiene when toileting.)
Transfers can include:
- Pivot transfers
- Sliding-board transfers
- Wheelchair-to-bed transfers
- Wheelchair-to-tub transfers
- Wheelchair-to-car transfers
How to safely perform a Pivot Transfer
PDF from Shepherd Center
How to safely perform a Sliding Board Transfer
PDF from Shepherd Center
How to safely perform a wheelchair-to-bed transfer:
From Shepherd Center on Vimeo
How to safely perform a wheelchair-to-toilet transfer:
From Shepherd Center on Vimeo
How to safely perform a wheelchair to tub transfer:
From Shepherd Center on Vimeo
How to safely perform a wheelchair to car transfer:
From Shepherd Center on Vimeo