Preparations for moving and handling people

Pre‑manoeuvre

•  Make sure clothing and footwear are appropriate for the task. Clothes should allow free movement and shoes should be non‑slip, supportive and stable 

• Choose a lead carer: If more than one carer is involved when moving or handling a client, identify who should be the lead carer during the move by giving instructions (e.g. ‘ready, steady, move’). The lead carer checks the client profile and coordinates the move 

• If there is to be a change of position for the client, decide what it is before approaching them 

General practice 

• Know your limits: Know your own capabilities and do not exceed them. Tell your manager if you need training in the technique to be used 

• Seek advice: Talk to your manager or the moving and handling adviser if you need advice on the techniques and equipment you should be using. 

Communication among carers during the transfer 

Ensure that all instructions and commands used are consistent throughout the organisation. For example, use a clear command such as, ‘Ready, steady, stand’. One reason for accidents is the lack of coordination between carers, and a lack of shared understanding within an organisation or facility of what terms or phrases mean when moving clients. Consistent, clear commands help to coordinate carers and minimise risks for these tasks. Carers making eye contact with each other is key to synchronising when more than one carer is involved. Ending the instruction with a word that the client understands (‘ready, steady, stand’) will also facilitate client confidence in and understanding of what is about to happen. 

Communication with clients Effective 

communication between carer and client is part of moving and handling. Plan to inform clients and their families about your organisation’s moving and handling policy on admission. 

A client may be resistant to being moved or handled in a particular way if they have not been consulted. Explain to the client what you are about to do, and ask their 86 permission. If they have any concerns about things like safety, modesty issues and gender and religious considerations, address them. 

Tell them of the benefits of the procedure to be used. As they are being moved, talk them through the steps and ask if they are okay. Ask them how they feel after the transfer, as client feedback is useful to verify that they were comfortable with the move, or whether improvements could be made. Some clients may resist being lifted using a sling and hoist, because they feel their dignity and safety may be compromised.

 Communicating the benefits for the client – particularly in safety and dignity – may allay those fears and increase client confidence. Besides noting if a client has hearing difficulties or cognitive impairment, you may need to take into account language and accent issues. Often someone may say ‘Yes’ simply to give an answer, or ‘Yes’ meaning ‘I hear you but don’t understand or want to do it that way’. One way to get agreement to or an understanding of what is to be done with the client is to ensure that what you say is simple language and not health jargon. Alternatively, demonstrate the move with another person reassuring the client and seeking their agreement at the same time. Also, speak slowly (not louder unless the client has a hearing problem) if the client has difficulty understanding your accent.