As we age, our needs change, and sometimes we require a little extra help with daily activities. At Alavida Lifestyles, we pride ourselves on offering comprehensive care, including our 2-person assisting service. This blog post will explore what 2-person assisting is, why it’s beneficial, and how it enhances the quality of life for our residents in our assisted living facilities in Ottawa.
What is Two-Person Assisting?
2-person assisting, also known as two-person transfers or two-person assists, is a care technique where two caregivers work together to help a resident with mobility, transfers, or other daily living activities. This approach is used when a resident requires more support than a single caregiver can safely provide.
Benefits of Two-Person Assisting
- Enhanced Safety: The primary benefit of 2-person assisting is increased safety for both residents and caregivers. With two people providing support, the risk of falls or injuries during transfers is significantly reduced.
- Improved Comfort: Having two caregivers means gentler, more controlled movements, resulting in greater comfort for the resident during assistance.
- Faster Response Time: In emergency situations, having two caregivers present means quicker action can be taken if needed.
- Reduced Caregiver Strain: By sharing the physical load, caregivers experience less strain and fatigue, allowing them to provide better care over time.
- Personalized Attention: With two caregivers, one can focus on the physical task while the other provides emotional support and ensures the resident’s comfort.
When is Two-Person Assisting Used?
2-person assisting is typically employed in situations such as:
- Bed-to-chair transfers
- Bathing and personal hygiene tasks
- Dressing and undressing
- Repositioning in bed
- Assistance with physical therapy exercises
Here are examples of two-person assists and transfers: See videos here.
Our Commitment to Care
While a two-person assist is available at only a few retirement residences in Ottawa and is typically reserved for long-term care facilities (nursing homes), we offer it to ensure that residents requiring extra help receive care with dignity, respect, and the highest safety standards. Our trained staff collaborate effectively to provide this essential support.
Our dedicated Personal Support Worker, Cheril, who has over 16 years of experience at Park Place, shares her essential steps for ensuring safety and comfort during two-person assists.
“Two-person assists are the safest option for both staff and residents. We provide comfort and proper care through careful handling. Here’s our approach:
- We always knock before entering a room, respecting privacy.
- We greet residents with a smile, leaving our personal problems at the door. They really appreciate seeing our positive attitude.
- Before we start, we explain what we’re going to do. It helps them feel more at ease when they know what to expect.
- Before lifting, we check if everything’s okay. We ask the resident if they’re comfortable and ensure their privacy by covering private areas.
We always prioritize our residents’ privacy and dignity. We also consider the resident’s weight and use proper lifting techniques. We count to three before lifting, making sure we move in sync. This makes the lift easier and safer for everyone. Remember to lift with your legs apart and knees bent to protect your back.”
By working together and following these steps outlined by Cheril, Alavida Lifestyles creates a safe, respectful environment for our residents. It’s all about teamwork and treating our residents with the care and dignity they deserve.
Training and Expertise
Our caregivers undergo rigorous training in two-person transfer techniques, ensuring they are well-prepared to provide exceptional care. Before starting their in-person training shifts, new hires receive extensive hands-on training in lifts and transfers. This training covers proper body mechanics, effective communication strategies, and teamwork coordination. In collaboration with occupational therapy, we focus on the best movement practices for the resident during two-person assist training.
To maintain high standards, all care staff must annually complete both online and in-person lifts and transfers training, in accordance with our policies and procedures, as well as Ontario regulatory standards. Our Personal Support Workers (PSWs) are proficient in operating the necessary equipment and are trained to instruct other staff members on its proper use. If any questions or concerns arise, staff are encouraged to inform the Director of Care (DOC), and we arrange for occupational therapy professionals to provide additional demonstrations. We regularly update our training programs to incorporate the latest best practices in senior care, ensuring our team remains at the forefront of caregiving excellence.
Peace of Mind for Families
Knowing that their loved ones have access to 2-person assisting when needed provides families with peace of mind. It assures them that their family members are receiving the highest level of care and support in their daily lives in our senior living communities in Ottawa.
2-person assisting is more than just a service—it’s a testament to our dedication to the well-being and dignity of our residents. By offering this level of care, we ensure that even those with more complex needs can live comfortably and safely in our community. At Alavida Lifestyles, we’re committed to providing the best possible care for our residents. If you have any questions about our 2-person assisting service or any other aspects of our care, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to support you and your loved ones every step of the way.