Do you need a Transfer and Positioning Care Plan?
When caring for a person with a disability who requires support with movement, transfers, or positioning, it is crucial to prioritise the safety of both the individual and their caregivers. A comprehensive transfer and positioning care plan, combined with manual handling training provided by a physiotherapist experienced in working with people with disabilities, offers a solid foundation for ensuring the highest quality of care and minimising risks.
A transfer and positioning care plan is a crucial document that ensures the safety and well-being of individuals with disabilities who require assistance with movement and positioning. This comprehensive plan, developed by a skilled physiotherapist, provides clear, step-by-step instructions on safely and effectively transferring and positioning the person, considering their unique needs, abilities, and preferences. The care plan also includes a detailed risk assessment, identifying potential hazards and outlining strategies to minimise these risks.
Injuries related to manual handling of people with disabilities remain a significant occupational health and safety issue. For families and support workers, these injuries can lead to personal pain and discomfort that may persist for years, affecting not only their work but also their everyday lives, families, and relationships. Investing in a well-designed care plan and proper training can substantially reduce these risks.
A transfer can be defined as the safe movement of a person from one place or surface to another, and it also presents an opportunity to train the individual to enhance their independent function. Transfers may require varying levels of assistance, including manual aid and/or assistive devices, such as hoists. They can be vertical, such as moving from a seated position to another seated position (e.g., wheelchair to toilet) or from a supine to a seated position (e.g., bed to wheelchair), or horizontal/lateral, involving moving from one flat surface to another (e.g., bed to stretcher).
Evidence supports the positive effects of movement and mobilisation on the quality and speed of a patient's recovery and their ability to maintain their current physical ability. Early mobilisation is vital for positive outcomes, such as decreased incidence of pneumonia, falls, skin tears, length of stay in intensive care units and acute care settings, and increased quality of life. Conversely, insufficient movement increases an individual's risk for immobility-related adverse events, such as pressure injuries, reduced range of motion, muscle strength, mobility, and muscle atrophy.
Care plans are essential for prioritising assessments and interventions for both short- and long-term care goals. A care plan is a written record of the agreed care and treatment, ensuring that clients are looked after following their wishes and individual requirements. It is a legal document that guides all those caring for and supporting a given individual, including new support workers and anyone filling in for a regular carer. Care plans outline emergency procedures and day-to-day plans, manage and minimise risks for all stakeholders, and provide evidence to the NDIS of how much support a client needs for future funding.
Person-centred care planning is essential when creating a care plan. The plan should be tailored to the service user, meeting their needs and preferences. It should be put together and agreed upon with the participant throughout the planning and review process. Care plans and associated risk assessments must be reviewed periodically by caregivers and participants, with changes and improvements made to risk management strategies as needed. It is legally required that care plans be reviewed at least once every twelve months, although more frequent reviews may be appropriate depending on the risks to the individual and their wishes.
Keeping care plans up to date is of utmost importance. As an individual's needs, abilities, and circumstances change over time, it is essential to regularly review and update their care plan to remain relevant and practical. Outdated care plans can lead to inappropriate or unsafe transfers and positioning, increasing the risk of injury to the individual and their caregivers. Regular reviews, at least annually, allow for the care plan to be adapted to the person's changing needs, ensuring that they continue to receive the highest quality of care.
Refer to Your Therapy SA for a Transfer and Positioning Care Plan
Your Therapy SA is highly experienced in providing transfer and positioning care plans for adults and children with disabilities and offering manual handling training for family members, support workers, and school staff. Our experienced physiotherapists can assess and complete detailed care plans, provide annual reviews, and train support workers, school staff, and family members on safe manual handling techniques. By working with Your Therapy SA, you can ensure your loved one or client receives the highest quality care, with minimised risks and improved outcomes. Don't hesitate to contact us so we can help you and your loved ones.
