When caring for someone with stroke or disability, you may need to help them move around. It’s essential that you know how to move them safely so you don’t hurt yourself or them.

You may need to help someone:

• Get in or out of bed.
• Turn over in bed.
• Sit up in bed.
• Bathe or shower.
• Use the toilet.
• Sit in a chair.
• Stand.
• Walk.
• Get up from the floor after a fall.
• Get in and out of a vehicle.

It is essential for you to take care of yourself . Back injuries are common for carers and can take a long time to recover. This also means you are less able to care for the person after their stroke.

Incorrect moving and handling can affect the person too. They may have weak joints or muscles , fragile skin which bruises easily or if elderly, fragile bones which are more likely to fracture.

Moving and handling situations are often unavoidable during the daily care of the person. However there are tips which can help reduce risk and increase safely for you and the person you care for.

The following pages show film clips of moving and handling for stroke carers.