Assisting a Patient Out of Bed: A Comprehensive Guide

Let's delve into the step-by-step guide on how to support a patient named Di to stand and exit her bed, both as a one-person aid and a two-person aid.

Initial Patient Assessment

The first step is assessing Di's ability to bear her own weight and get into a seated position independently. This is done by performing a simple leg assessment. We ask Di to bend her knee, push against our hand, and lift her leg off the bed, repeating the process for each leg. We also ask Di to push against our hands with her own, both upwards and downwards. Observing Di's facial expressions during these exercises helps us determine her comfort level and the extent of her physical strength.

Assisting Di to a Seated Position

Next, we need to help Di move to her side, using her elbow for support. Once she is ready, we ask Di to move into a more seated position and bring her legs around, maintaining constant communication throughout the process. This results in Di sitting up with her feet on the floor, ready for the next step.

One-Person Aid to Stand

As a one-person aid, we place ourselves next to Di, asking her to put her hand on top of ours, while our other hand provides support at the small of Di's back. The subsequent process involves a rhythmic "rock and stand" motion on a count of three - ready, steady, stand. The goal here is to give Di reassurance and support as she stands, and the pace of further movement will be dictated by Di's comfort and readiness.

Two-Person Aid to Stand

When providing assistance as a two-person aid, we ask Di to sit back down. An additional staff member, Jay, joins on the opposite side of Di. Both supporters place their inside hand on top and their outside hand at the small of Di's back, ensuring thumbs are tucked away. Feet are firmly planted on the floor. Again, we use the "ready, steady, stand" motion. In this way, Di has two supports and we can assist her in moving to her next destination, such as a commode, toilet, or bathroom.