My least favorite four-letter word is “fall”.
That was the focal point of Dr. David Anderson’s talk on assistive devices and body mechanics to help keep volunteers and others safe. This was a workshop sponsored by Seabrook Island Village (SIV) for volunteers and community members at the Oyster Catcher Community Center on Friday, February 23.
The professionals presenting this hands-on workshop were: Dr. David Anderson, Physical Therapist and Director of Home and Hospice Services RSFH; Ms. Laura Lybrand, Case Manager and Director of Respite Services RSFH; Dr. Janet Tankersley, Professor, Dr. Amanda Feller, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy at Charleston Southern University; and students from the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at CSU. Our “Practical Tips” Workshop focused on:
- Accessing diverse healthcare services from physical or occupational therapists
- Learning what case managers do and how they ease our transitions in health and wellness
- Using our own body mechanics to help others in safe transfers (in and out of cars, stairs, etc.)
- Using tools of the trade designed for optimizing our independence: canes, crutches,walkers,wheelchairs
Following an overview and administration, these professionals and students worked individually with participants at workstations designed so volunteers could practice completing transfers safely, using assistive devices such as gait belts, car arm rests, wheelchairs, transport chairs, walkers and canes. Transfer techniques sitting and standing, maneuvering stairs and ramps and transfers to and from vehicles were rehearsed. Having students and professionals allowed all participants to have hands on experiences and tailor the activities to their own situations.
SIV Volunteers and community members attending this two-hour program learned a great deal to help neighbors and family members maximize their independence and increase their ability to age at home safely.
Seabrook Island Village – Neighbors Helping Neighbors hopes to sponsor more training sessions with local healthcare professionals. Our entire community benefits when friends and neighbors gain knowledge and experience to keep others safe and secure.
– Submitted by Lori Leary for SIV
(Photo credit: Seabrook Island Village)